Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has met with executives from Summa Group, a major Turkish construction firm, to advance discussions on the Lekki-Epe International Airport initiative.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu revealed that his delegation visited Istanbul to outline the vision for the proposed airport, aimed at improving connectivity and alleviating congestion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Summa Group is recognized as one of the top 250 international construction firms, according to Engineering News-Record (ENR), and has maintained this ranking for the past two decades.
“During our working visit to Istanbul, we engaged deeply with Summa Group, a leader in the construction industry,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Our discussions were focused on the Lekki-Epe International Airport, which is set to significantly enhance travel connections in Lagos State.”
He noted that Mr. Selim Bora, Chairman of Summa International Construction Inc., provided a comprehensive tour of their ongoing projects, highlighting the firm’s commitment to quality and expertise in large-scale infrastructure development.
As the state explores collaborative opportunities with Summa Group, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the project’s potential to create jobs and establish Lagos as a key international travel and commerce hub.
Earlier in September, the Lagos State Government also considered a partnership with the Portuguese firm Mota-Engil Consortium for the airport’s construction. This initiative aims to reduce congestion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport while enhancing infrastructure along the Lekki-Epe corridor.
The airport is proposed to cover 3,500 hectares and will accommodate up to 350 aircraft, with an initial capacity to serve five million passengers annually, alongside provisions for future growth.
In January, State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso indicated that discussions were underway with potential investors to secure necessary partnerships for the airport’s construction. He projected that the airport could be completed within one to two years.
“The project will help ease the burden on Murtala Muhammed International Airport and is expected to be delivered during this administration’s tenure,” Omotoso remarked. “We are currently identifying contractors and engaging with several investors, as the funding for this project cannot come solely from the state.”
The Federal Government gave the green light for the airport’s construction in 2022, with plans to start work in 2023, although this timeline has yet to be realized.