Kwara State Government plans to spend N3.1 billion on state-of-the-art aviation infrastructure to make the state the hub of aviation services in West Africa.

Dr Abubakar Kanike, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, made the statement when the National Good Governance Tour team visited the state-owned aviation college and cargo terminal in Ilorin.

He said the state government had spent N1.2 billion on the establishment of a world-class aviation college, while N1.9 billion was spent on the construction of the cargo terminal.

On the aviation college, Kanike said the state government had provided modern facilities for Private Pilot Licence and Commercial Pilot Licence training.

He said that a lot was also spent on acquiring the multi-engine qualification for the ICAO certified pilots.

The commissioner informed the team that plans were underway to invest N1 billion in the acquisition of five additional aircraft to meet the growing demands for certified pilots in Africa.

He solicited the support of the Federal Government to enable the college to achieve its expansion plan in order to complement the College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, in building the necessary manpower for Nigeria's aviation sector.

The team visited the Simulator Room, Aircraft Parking Apron, classrooms and other facilities in addition to watching demonstration flights by the students.

No fewer than 24 students are undergoing training at the college.

At the cargo terminal, Kanike said the facility was being designed to accommodate two huge cargo aircraft that would discharge goods, specifically designated for the northern part of the country.

In his remark, Mr Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information, said the Aviation College was a visionary initiative to complement manpower development in the Aviation Sector.

He said the cargo terminal would provide impetus for the export of agricultural produce and empowerment of the citizenry. (NAN)