Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, says that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts worth N987 billion for extensive infrastructure upgrades at airports across the country.
Mr. Keyemo said that the approval was granted at the meeting of the ministers on Thursday, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
He explained that the projects would be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
The minister, who expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the approval of the funds for massive infrastructural upgrades across the country, explained that the centerpiece of the upgrades was the complete rehabilitation and modernisation of the International Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“The terminal will be stripped down to its structural frame and rebuilt to meet international standards. We have decided to strip it down to only the carcass, and then redo the entire mechanical and electrical systems,” he said.
According to the minister, the project is fully funded by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund and that it had been awarded to CCECC, the company responsible for constructing Terminal Two in Lagos.
He explained that Terminal Two will also be expanded to include a new apron, access roads, bridges and related infrastructure.
The total cost of rehabilitating Lagos airports will amount to N712.26 billion, with an expected completion timeframe of 22 months.
The minister added that FEC also approved upgrades at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport,Kano, including the rehabilitation of both runways and taxiways.
The project involves upgrading the airfield ground lighting to Category 2 (CAT 2) standards.
“This upgrade, costing N46.39 billion and scheduled for completion within 24 weeks, is expected to significantly enhance flight safety, especially during the hazy harmattan seasons that have historically caused delays and cancellations.
“With the navigational aids we are bringing to Kano, aircraft can land even in very hazy weather,” he added.
A major security enhancement was also approved for Lagos Airport: a 14.6 km perimeter fence equipped with CCTV, solar floodlights, intrusion detection systems, and patrol roads. This security project is valued at nearly N50 billion and will take 24 months to complete.
The other approvals, according to the minister, include the Port Harcourt International Airport that will undergo runway and taxiway rehabilitation, with upgraded airfield lighting to CAT 2 standards, while a 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu was endorsed by the ministers.
GIK/APA