The idea of Air Lagos or Lagos Airways aligns with the vibrant energy and cultural richness that Lagos represents. With its diverse offerings in music, entertainment and technology hubs, Lagos is indeed positioning itself as a top global city of the new century.
The announcement of the soon-to-commence development of an airport in the Epe/Ibeju corridor adds another dimension to the city’s multi-modal transportation system, enhancing its appeal to international tourists and business executives. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision reflects a forward-thinking approach to solidify Lagos’s leadership in various development indices.
It was just recently that 20,000 frequent travellers in a survey conducted by Time Out – A United Kingdom-based research firm affiliated to The Economist of London, ranked Lagos 19th among top global cities to visit and experience.
Who wouldn’t want such a Lagos experience. The capital of Afrobeats – the current most celebrated music genre in the world! Who won’t want to dance to the exhilarating moves we see all around us in the mega city? Who will miss a chance to relax, eat and have fun in this city bursting with energy, 365 days a year?!
This is why when Sanwo-Olu, during his Town Hall for Lagos West senatorial district held at Sheraton, Ikeja, muted the idea that the state may go into the airline business, I was excited.
The news coming when the state is starting the construction of its airport in the Epe/Ibeju corridor signposts a thinking government bent on harmonizing thoughts, instituting excellence and utilizing every opportunity to cement the city’s leadership in virtually every development index.
Air Lagos or Lagos Airways, the BRT system, LagRide, the railways operating and expanding rapidly and the ferry system growing and becoming a preferred choice – it is therefore no surprise if the state adds the airline and the airport to complete the puzzle.
With continuous development and expansion of all the indices of a working city, in no time Lagos will become the number one city of choice for international tourists.
With health tourism growing since Europe-based Nigerians increasingly patronize our hospitals, our comedy and our exotic culinary menu, Lagos is positioning to take full advantage to become the centre of Africa’s 21st century living.
There may have been other states that tried to start an airline but didn’t make much progress, but Akwa Ibom came with Ibom Air. Their effort has shown that states can indeed run a profitable venture.
For Lagos, an airline is more than a business. It is a means to an end. As a preferred destination, growing in all facets, the city-state provides a suitable template for improvement in air travel in Nigeria and the sub-region.
As expected, the new Lagos airport is likely to be the hub of this proposed airline. As is with everything Lagos, the expectant residents and visitors hope that both projects will meet the international standard which the state is known by.
There is no doubt that the proposed airline and the complimentary airport would be big additions to the success of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda of the current administration. More jobs would be created, more revenue for the state and more visibility for a city that knows how to rock.
Nnadozie is a public affairs analyst
