The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has pleaded with Governor Hope Uzodinma to assist it in completing the cargo operations terminal and increasing the runway of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, from 2,700 to 3,000 metres, and the width from 45 to 60 metres.

Its chief executive, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, made the appeal during a visit to the governor at the weekend in Owerri.He observed that the gateway had maintained its envious market share and traffic in the last five years, adding that it could hit the first or second spot in the country if the necessary infrastructure are in place.

The FAAN boss regretted the challenges posed to the industry by the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing out that the development had necessitated re-strategising in the period to come.

Responding, Uzodinma promised to help the agency actualiase the standardisation of the airport to enhance economic activities in the state and beyond.The governor said he was convinced way back as chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation that the sector should be run professionally.