The construction of Abuja’s second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) is on the horizon. The federal government underscores its commitment by agreeing to disburse N825 million as compensation to the communities impacted by this pivotal project.
The revelation surfaced following a collaborative meeting held in Abuja. The meeting was between the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Capital Development Authority. Odutayo Oluseyi, spokesperson for the ministry, revealed that they had encapsulated the meeting’s outcome in a resolution. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasized the imminent start of the second runway’s construction. However, unresolved compensation concerns have hindered the project’s progress to the site.
Total Cost Approved For Construction Of Abuja’s Second Runway At NAIA.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved N3.4 billion for constructing the second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. They will engage consultants in developing master plans for 17 airports across Nigeria. Council also sanctioned N4.3 billion for security gadgets in the Nigeria Railway Corporation and allocated N8.6 billion for purchasing office accommodations for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Port Harcourt and Abuja.
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Assuring the affected communities, Keyamo stressed the forthcoming social corporate responsibility initiatives alongside the project’s commencement. He emphasized the construction of Abuja’s second runway would not only invigorate economic activities but also foster growth and opportunities within the communities.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, echoing this commitment to community welfare, pledged to personally contribute towards community happiness. He urged stakeholders to rally behind the second runway endeavor, solidifying its importance for the region’s development. Wike affirmed that the agreed compensation of N825,819,119.43 would promptly commence.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signified the federal government’s resolute stance. Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Mr. Olusade Adesola, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, executed the MoU. Additionally, community representation was marked by Emir of Jiwa, Alh. Idris Musa, along with village and district heads, collectively underlined the collaborative spirit and forward momentum of this transformative project.
