FG Approves N919bn For Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Other Airport Upgrade

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the sum of N919.08bn for the infrastructure upgrades in the country’s aviation sector.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, announced the approval at the council’s meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

Keyamo said the project would strip the terminal down to its basic structure and rebuild all “mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems”.

This development would be effected at Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Lagos.

He noted that the contract has been awarded to China Engineering and Construction Company Corporation(CCECC), the main constructor of the new Lagos terminal.

He said, “Today, it was the turn of the aviation sector to get the kind attention of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, and we are very grateful that the President decided to turn his attention to the aviation sector for massive infrastructural upgrades across the country.

“The total cost for all these rehabilitations of Lagos airports will come up to N712.25bn, with a completion timeframe of 22 months.

“We have decided to strip it down to only the carcass, and then do the complete M and E again.”

Keyamo said the council approved a 14.6-kilometre metal perimeter fence at the MMIA, with advanced intrusion detection systems, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), solar floodlights, and an operational patrol road.

He stated that “The type of sophisticated fence and equipment we are bringing in includes a modern command centre that can detect any movement near the fence without human patrol,” and “Anyone or anything close to the fence will be detected immediately, and the location pinpointed.”

He noted that a 14.6-kilometre metal perimeter fence was worth N49.89bn and could be completed in 24 months.

Speaking further, Keyamo said FEC approved a major upgrade to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, covering the rehabilitation of runways and taxiways and upgrading airfield ground lighting to category 2 standard.

He said the Kano airport would gulp N46.39bn and be delivered in 24 weeks to improve flight safety, especially during the hazy harmattan season.

Addressing concerns raised at Port Harcourt International Airport, Keyamo said the project is expected to restructure the runway, taxiway, as well as airfield lighting upgrades to CAT 2 standard.

“That N42.14bn project will improve safety and operational efficiency, especially in poor weather conditions”.

He added that the amendments to runways 18 left and 36 right, and portions of taxiways B and C, were approved.

Keyamo said “The upgrades include CAT 2 LED airfield lighting systems, with N44.13bn the project will last 30 weeks and run alongside terminal one reconstruction, creating a comprehensive airport upgrade”.

The minister said the council approved the reconstruction and expansion of apron areas at the domestic terminal of the Lagos airport, totalling over 82,000 square metres.

He said the “N24.27bn” project, scheduled for completion in about 17 and a half months, will increase aircraft parking space and improve traffic management.

Keyamo also said the council approved the full business case for a 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

He said the deal covers both the airport and its unfinished cargo terminal, adding that it would address financial burdens associated with smaller airports.

“Most of the smaller airports apart from the major ones are running at a loss. The profits we make from Kano, Lagos, and Abuja often go into keeping these others alive,”

“That it has always been the plan of this administration to convert some airports to private individuals and entities so they can run them profitably, especially the non-aeronautical parts such as conference centres and shopping malls”.

“These non-aeronautical ventures generate as much, if not more, profit than aeronautical operations in modern airports around the world.”

“The concession will convert loss-making airports into profit-generating assets that benefit both the government and communities”.

“I am not someone who ignores the unions. From the very start, I directed that they must be part of the committee, so at every point, the unions have been fully carried along in this process,” he said.