Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun, has called on investors in the United States of America to come and explore the opportunities in the aviation industry in Nigeria.

He made the call during a presentation at an Aviation conference tagged, United States and Sub-Saharan Africa Partners in Aviation Conference", in Atlanta, Georgia recently.

He informed the gathering that Nigeria had huge potentials in the growing West African aviation hub, with investors already taking position to benefit from the potentials.

He noted that the Delta State Government as a major stake holder had already embarked on the construction of an airport based on the need to facilitate the development of the state, provide a safe and reliable transport system for her traveling public, which includes politicians, government officials, investors and tourists.

The Asaba Airport project which has an estimated budget of $100 million is already nearing completion. The site of the proposed airport which is about 15kilometre to the centre of the state capital will help in the development of the oil and gas industry.

The airport is also expected to provide employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour right from its conception, through the construction stage and completion to commencement of service.

Its nearness to Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of the South -East will help to kick start a more robust economy in Delta State.

Mr. Aisuebeogun noted the transformation of airports worldwide from mere structural edifice to major business entities. He praised the contribution of Delta State government to aviation development in Nigeria and saw this as a major boost to the industry.

He therefore made a case for a stronger, Public-Private Partnership in order to transform the face of aviation industry in Nigeria.

While noting that Nigeria had a fully deregulated aviation market, Aisebeogun reminded the participants that, there was a growing public-private partnership culture in Nigeria and called on foreign investors to come and participate in the viable and emerging market.

Aisuebeogun acknowledged that the participation of foreign investors in airport development has become necessary since the financing of airports was highly capital intensive.

He informed the gathering that the prospect of growth was vast in both aeronautical and non-aeronautical areas, since both sectors were money spinners for the willing entrepreneur.

He noted that the airport system in Nigeria was witnessing an upward swing with the development of the Asaba Airport, and called on all investors, including Nigerians in diaspora to see Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria as partners in progress.

Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba has assured all aviation stakeholders that the Federal Airports Authority will fulfill its promise of ensuring safe and secure airports all over the country.

The Minister who spoke during the re-opening of the rehabilitated Kaduna Airport runway on Thursday said the parastatal under his watch, had a mandate to make airports in the country safe and secure.

Omotoba had noted that the runway was not up to par during his earlier visit for inspection prior to the commencement of the Hajj operations, "About two and half months ago, when I came to inspect this airport in preparation for 2009 Hajj, it became clear to us that for us to have a successful Hajj this year, as well as several years more, we need to do major repairs of the runway".

He assured the flying public that the quality of the work done will last for the next ten years, without any need for further repairs since the quality of work could withstand the test of time.

It will be recalled that the runway was closed at the beginning of October, this year to allow for partial resurfacing of its middle stretch, covering a distance of about 20 metres.

The re-opening of the runway marked the beginning of the airlift of pilgrims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage at the airport.

The airport is a major point of departure for this year's Hajj operation, with about 9,721 pilgrims from three states: Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue who are already being airlifted in batches.

The re-opening ceremony was witnessed by the Kaduna State governor, Architect Namadi Sambo, the National Hamirul Hajj, Senator Kanti Bello, former PDP chairman, Sfnator Ahmadu Ali, Senior Special Adviserto the President on Aviation Matters, CaptainShehu Iyal and the Emir of Zauzzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.