In this article from Naijassador we are looking at Calabar International Airport commonly known as Margaret Ekpo Airport named after a prominent Nigerian women’s rights activist who died in 2007 and is now one of the most popular airports in Nigeria.
History
Margaret Ekpo International Airport was formerly known as Calabar Airport before it was renamed Margaret Ekpo in 2002. It was renamed in honor of Margaret Ekpo, an important woman in the Nigerian move to independence.
Margaret Ekpo was a Nigerian women’s rights activist and social mobilizer who was a pioneering female politician in Nigeria’s First Republic and a leading member of a class of traditional Nigerian women activists, many of whom rallied women beyond notions of ethnic solidarity. She played major roles as a grassroots and nationalist politician in the Eastern Nigerian city of Aba, in the era of a hierarchical and male-dominated movement towards independence, which is why the airport was renamed in honor of her in 2002.
Calabar International Airport also known as Margaret Ekpo Airport was established in 1948 as a small airstrip for the transportation of agricultural and cargo. It was later expanded in 1954 to accommodate larger aircraft and to serve as a military airbase during the Nigerian Civil War. In 1975, the airport was upgraded to an international airport and has since been serving as a major gateway to the southeastern region of Nigeria.
Margaret Ekpo International Airport has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to improve its facilities and services. In 2018, the airport underwent a major renovation that included the expansion of the terminal building, the installation of modern equipment, and the construction of a new runway. The airport now can handle over 1 million passengers annually and serves as a hub for several local and international airlines.
Airport Infrastructure
Margaret Ekpo International Airport, also known as Calabar Airport, is a key airport in Nigeria, serving the city of Calabar and the surrounding region. The airport’s infrastructure includes various facilities and services to cater to the needs of passengers and airlines:
- Passenger Terminals: The airport has a passenger terminal that offers a range of services, including check-in, security, and boarding areas. The terminal is designed to accommodate both domestic and international flights.
- Runways and Air Traffic Control: The airport has well-maintained runways and an air traffic control tower that ensures safe and efficient operations for aircraft. These facilities are crucial for the airport’s ability to handle both scheduled and unscheduled flights.
- Baggage Handling Systems: The airport has modern baggage handling systems in place to ensure efficient and secure handling of passengers’ luggage. These systems include conveyor belts, sorting machines, and baggage trolleys.
- Ground Support Equipment: The airport provides ground support equipment, such as aircraft tugs, loaders, and passenger buses, to facilitate the turnaround process and ensure smooth operations.
- Parking Spaces: Margaret Ekpo International Airport offers ample parking spaces for passengers, including both short-term and long-term options. These facilities cater to the needs of passengers and ensure convenience during their stay at the airport.
- Internal Access Roads: The airport has well-maintained internal access roads that connect different parts of the airport, such as the passenger terminal, cargo area, and parking facilities. These roads facilitate the movement of passengers and staff within the airport
- Lighting and Radio Electronic Devices: The airport’s infrastructure includes lighting and radio electronic devices necessary for safe and efficient operations, especially during nighttime and low-visibility conditions
Nearby Attractions
Calabar and its surrounding areas offer a variety of attractions for visitors. Some of the popular tourist attractions that passengers can visit include:
- Ibeno Beach: Known for its serene and picturesque environment, Ibeno Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
- Kwa Falls: This beautiful waterfall, located in a tropical rainforest setting, is a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Slave History Museum: For those interested in history, the Slave History Museum provides insights into the region’s historical significance and the impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
- Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort: This resort offers a range of entertainment, shopping, and leisure activities, making it a vibrant hub for tourists and locals alike.
- Marina Resort: Situated on the banks of the Calabar River, Marina Resort is a recreational and entertainment center with facilities for water-based activities and relaxation.
- Drill Ranch: A conservation and breeding center for drills, a rare primate species, offering educational and eco-tourism experiences.
Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
Margaret Ekpo International Airport has implemented several environmental initiatives to minimize its environmental impact. Here are some of the green initiatives and environmental programs implemented at the airport:
- Waste Management: The airport has implemented a waste management system that includes the separation of waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials. The airport also has a composting program for organic waste.
- Energy-Saving Measures: Margaret Ekpo International Airport has implemented energy-saving measures, such as the use of energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning systems, to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: The airport has implemented sustainable transportation options, such as shuttle buses and electric vehicles, to reduce emissions from ground transportation.
- Water Conservation: The airport has implemented water conservation measures, such as the use of low-flow faucets and toilets, to reduce water consumption and promote sustainable water use.
- Environmental Management System: The airport has implemented an environmental management system that includes regular monitoring and reporting of environmental performance, as well as the development of environmental policies and procedures.
In Summary
Calabar International Airport also commonly known as Margaret Ekpo International Airport has made a name for itself, and become one of the busiest airports in Nigeria and the top in Eastern Nigeria.
The position of the airport makes it a unique pick when it comes to guests in Calabar. It’s closely located to tourist attractions an example Slave History Museum, among others, and which attracts tourists around that area because it’s convenient to get to.
Another factor that makes this Airport very special is who isn’t named after, Margaret Ekpo was a woman’s rights activist who made an impact in Nigeria and left an impact on the independence of Nigeria before women were even allowed to vote. The rename makes it more unique and special, especially for women and more importantly for those who know her history and the impactful works she pushes.
Resources:
https://airportlist.net/margaret-ekpo-international-airport/
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2020/12/12/remembering-margaret-ekpo-and-enugu-strike-massacre
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Ekpo
https://www.iata.org/en/programs/ops-infra/airport-infrastructure/
Written by Steve Sinclair
