Keyamo
By Iyunade Grace
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday officially opened the newly reconstructed Port Harcourt airport road and gave the green light to a new tollgate project that will sit at the entrance of the road. The ceremony, held at the airport’s main gate, was attended by senior government officials, representatives from the Rivers State government, and members of the aviation community.
The road, which had suffered from severe potholes and erosion for years, has been resurfaced with a durable asphalt mix and widened to accommodate growing traffic. According to the ministry, the reconstruction covers a 5‑kilometre stretch from the airport terminal to the main highway, and includes new drainage systems designed to prevent waterlogging during the rainy season.
Alongside the road upgrade, Keyamo launched the tollgate scheme that will charge a modest fee to motorists using the newly improved access route. The toll revenue is earmarked for ongoing maintenance of the road and other airport infrastructure projects, with the aim of ensuring the facility remains in top condition for the long haul.
In his speech, Keyamo emphasized that the upgraded road and the tollgate are part of a broader effort to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector. He said the projects will not only improve the travel experience for passengers but also boost economic activity in the region by facilitating smoother movement of goods and people to and from the airport.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was present at the event, praised the federal government’s commitment to upgrading the state’s transport network. He highlighted that the state government has also invested in complementary works, such as the expansion of the airport’s internal roads and the construction of a dedicated drop‑off zone for passengers.
The inauguration was welcomed by aviation unions, which noted that the improved infrastructure should enhance safety and efficiency without threatening jobs. As the tollgate becomes operational, officials expect a gradual increase in revenue that will be reinvested in the airport, signalling a new era of sustainable development for Port Harcourt’s air gateway.
