Aviation Minister Commissions Port Harcourt Airport Road, Flags Off Fubara’s Toll Gate, Bypass Project

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), on Friday officially commissioned the newly reconstructed Port Harcourt Airport Road and flagged off the construction of a new Bypass and Toll Gate Project initiated by the Rivers State Government.

Keyamo performed the ceremony as Special Guest of Honour at the invitation of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who described the dual projects as critical to easing airport access, boosting economic activity and strengthening the relationship between the state and host communities.

Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara narrated the incident that spurred his administration into action. He recalled how members of the host community once blocked the airport road in protest, grounding airport operations and commercial activities for an entire day. Their demands centred on employment opportunities, reliable electricity supply, and improved welfare, having endured what they described as years of neglect despite hosting a major national asset.

Fubara disclosed that his government immediately entered dialogue with the community and committed to addressing their concerns. He said two of the three demands — the establishment of a fully functional health centre and provision of electricity — had been delivered. The third demand, employment opportunities, he noted, falls partly outside his jurisdiction but is currently under active review in consultation with relevant authorities.

The governor said the new Bypass and Toll Gate Project being flagged off would serve as a dedicated alternative access route, prevent future disruptions, reduce traffic congestion and enhance security around the airport corridor. He assured that the project had been scheduled for completion within seven months.

In his remarks, Keyamo commended Fubara’s “clarity of purpose” and commitment to improving both community welfare and aviation infrastructure. He described the reconstructed Airport Road as a “transformational intervention” that restores dignity to one of the busiest gateways into the South-South region.

According to the minister, the deplorable state of the road before the reconstruction had long been a source of embarrassment to travellers, airline operators and prospective investors flying into the Port Harcourt International Airport. He stressed that the project directly supports the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise aviation infrastructure, improve access roads to airports and elevate passenger experience across Nigeria.

Keyamo also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s readiness to work with states to ensure safer, modern and more accessible aviation facilities nationwide. He said the Port Harcourt Airport corridor is vital not just for the South-South but for Nigeria’s oil and gas economy, making infrastructural upgrades in the area a national priority.

In a statement confirming the details of the event, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, said the commissioning and flag-off underscore the Fubara administration’s resolve to deliver people-centred governance while positioning Rivers State as a stronger contributor to Nigeria’s aviation and economic growth.