A delegation of Ogun State lawmakers in the National Assembly has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun’s transformative initiatives, particularly the establishment of the Gateway International Airport and the Nigeria Customs Training School.
The lawmakers praised the governor’s efforts in transforming the state into a global aviation hub, which they believe will have a positive impact on the economy and the lives of citizens.
During a facility tour of the Customs Training School, located within the airport premises in Ikenne Local Government Area, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salis, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, praised Governor Abiodun’s instrumental role in attracting the project to the state.
He noted that the establishment of the school is a testament to the governor’s commitment to developing the state’s human capital and infrastructure.
The lawmakers acknowledged that the Customs Training School is a significant project that will provide training and capacity-building opportunities for customs personnel, thereby enhancing the state’s revenue generation capabilities.
They expressed optimism that the project will have far-reaching benefits, contributing to the state’s prosperity and cementing its status as a key player in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He said, “We are here to see how the project is progressing, and I must say we are highly elated. We want to have a full appreciation of the legacy project that was initiated by Governor Dapo Abiodun, and you can see that the customs project complements the Gateway International Airport fittingly.
“We are also here as members of the National Assembly and stakeholders who are representatives of Ogun State to see what we can do to support this project, which is, though a federal project, located in our state.
“We want to support it through appropriation and suggestions to ensure that it is completed even ahead of schedule. We are also here to get feedback on what we think should be done to improve the project and to thank the governor for what he has done to put our state on the global aviation landscape, and now he has also done it with the Customs.”
The senator also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the world-class Customs institution in the state, emphasizing that apart from complementing the developmental drive of the Abiodun-led administration, it would showcase the state at the global level.
“We have made some suggestions to the contractor and expressed our happiness with the local content in the project. When we go back, we will meet with the Comptroller General of Customs to assure him of our support,” he added.
He called on the contractor to factor in green energy, digital compliance, and modern technology in executing the project, as it will serve generations of Nigerians.
Also speaking, the member representing Ikenne and Sagamu Federal Constituency, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, appreciated the governor for seeing beyond the present, noting that the project, when completed, would be the largest in sub-Saharan Africa that could be compared with similar institutions in the world.
While appreciating the people for cooperating with the contractor, Hon. Onanuga also commended them for keying into the project by getting employed, saying it would uplift their economic situation.
In his remarks, the member representing Yewa North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, acknowledged the contribution of the governor in bringing the project to the state, even as he expressed optimism that the impact would be felt not only in the immediate environment but throughout the entire state and the country at large.
Other members in the team were Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, Hon. Tunji Akinosi, and Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo.
