Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, officially handed over a state-of-the-art digital tollgate facility at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Monday.
During the brief ceremony, the governor emphasized that the tollgate was designed not only to enhance the airport’s aesthetic appeal but also to streamline traffic management and support FAAN’s mission of delivering exceptional service to travelers.
“The digital tollgate was established by the state government to beautify the airport and improve the flow of vehicles in and out of the facility. This is part of our commitment to encouraging FAAN to maintain high service standards for all Nigerians who use the airport,” Governor Uzodimma stated.
Background on the Tollgate Project
Governor Uzodimma noted that the road leading to the airport, which houses the tollgate, was inaugurated earlier by President Bola Tinubu during his visit to Imo State. At the time, the tollgate was still under construction.
“Now that the facility is fully operational, it is only fitting to officially hand it over to FAAN on behalf of the President,” he explained.
After the formal handover, the governor conducted an inspection to ensure that the tollgate was functioning optimally.
Appreciation and Call to Action
Mrs. Nkechi Ihekwuaba, the airport manager, expressed her gratitude to Governor Uzodimma and his team for their dedication to the project.
“We deeply appreciate this beautiful structure that not only enhances the airport’s appearance but also facilitates smoother operations. We kindly request the governor’s approval for FAAN to commence full utilization of the tollgate,” she said.
The event was attended by key officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, and members of the expanded Executive Council of Imo State.
Significance of the Tollgate to Imo State and Aviation
The digital tollgate is expected to improve the overall experience for airport users by offering efficient traffic control and enhanced security. This aligns with the Imo State government’s broader goals of infrastructure development and providing world-class facilities within the state.
By transferring the management of the tollgate to FAAN, the state ensures that the facility will be operated and maintained by aviation experts who can integrate it seamlessly into the airport’s overall functionality.
This project highlights the importance of collaboration between state governments and federal agencies in delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions.
