FG ESTIMATES AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AT OVER N1TN

The Federal Government has put the cost of ongoing infrastructure renewal and construction projects in Nigeria’s aviation sector at more than N1tn.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this during the 67th anniversary celebration of Aero Contractors.

Keyamo said President Bola Tinubu had approved the mobilisation of the China Civil Engineering Construction Company to begin work on the second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

He said the Abuja runway project was expected to cost about N400bn, while the modernisation of the old terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos had cost N712bn, according to the ministry.

The minister also highlighted plans for a light rail connection from the Lagos Red Line at Ikeja to the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, passing through other airport facilities before terminating at the new Terminal Two.

Keyamo said the Federal Government was funding the aviation infrastructure programme through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.

He added that the administration was also pursuing policies aimed at supporting local airlines and improving access to aircraft and airport infrastructure.

The minister said improved aviation infrastructure was central to the government’s broader plans for economic development and job creation.