Tanimu Hassan, Abuja
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, assured the Public on Tuesday that the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, would be completed in 12 months.
The minister, who disclosed this during the inspection of facilities at the airport, said the government had resolved the lingering issues on community compensation which has delayed the commencement of the project.
While inspecting Keyamo expressed displeasure at the conditions of various infrastructures at the airports and specifically identified three of such that need urgent attention from the government which are the cooling system, lifts/escalators and carrousel for conveyor belts.
“These are things visitors coming into the country and expect to enjoy when they arrive at any airport, local or International, but they are not functioning.
“This government is committed to ensuring that Civil Aviation Industry is restored and will meet the international standards.”
The Minister directed that the obsolete infrastructure should undergo a complete overhaul, while those infrastructures in bad shape should be put in good shape urgently. He stated that all that is required is a good maintenance culture.
The Project started during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration under the former Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika as an effort to expand the airport to boost its capacity and meet international standards.
