SEN. LALONG TO AVIATION MINISTER, EXPAND YAKUBU GOWON AIRPORT RUNWAY FOR INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has continued his advocacy and lobby for Federal projects in the State as more MDAs appear before the Senate to defend their 2025 budget submissions. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Special Adviser (Media) to Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Plateau South Senatorial District in a statement he personally signed and made available to this medium stated that Senator Lalong who is a member of the Senate Committee on Aviation on Wednesday took on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo on the expansion of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang Jos which has already been designated as an international Cargo Airport since the last administration. 

Lalong regretted that since the designation of the Heipang Airport as an international cargo airport with focus on agricultural produce, the desire of government has not taken off due to the lack of upgrade particularly expansion of the runway to accommodate wider aircrafts. 

He said "Hon. Minister, don't forget that I was the driver of this campaign as your DG where we worked tirelessly to ensure the victory of our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Today we are implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda. Please look into the airport runway expansion which has a lot of economic advantage as Agricultural produce especially the exotic and unique fresh products on the Plateau can be exported directly or distributed locally. As DG, dont let me go empty handed when I have you there since we suffered together during the campaigns".

Lalong also recalled that he made efforts to airlift Pilgrims directly to the Holy Land from the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang during the 2022 National Christian Pilgrimage but the lack of an expanded runway made it impossible for bigger aircrafts to land and take off.

Senator Lalong also challenged the Minister of Aviation and the agencies under him to continue to prioritise safety and comfort of air travellers in management of the sector. 

Ealier Senator Lalong was special guest of honour at an event by telecommunications giant Glo to give prizes to winners of one of its raffle draws. 

He congratulated the winners and presented the first prize award to the winner.

 

Lalong commended the company for doing well to perform its corporate social responsibility and touch the lives of its customers.