Minister advocates for additional N81bn in 2024 budget to complete second Abuja Runway

Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, has emphasised the need for an extra N81 Billion to finish the Second Abuja Runway in 2024. He similarly stressed that the rehabilitation of the old MMIA terminal is a vital project in the 2024 budget.

The Minister further disclosed that airport concession remains on the table, though not the shoddy manner of the past.

Keyamo stated these during the 2024 Ministry of Aviation budget defense with the 10th Assembly joint committee on Aviation technology.

He highlighted a budget of N63 billion for the industry underscoring the necessity of an additional N81 billion for the project’s completion.

The Minister expressed the danger associated with having only one runway for a capital city like Abuja.

Keyamo appealed to the committee for procurement of consultancy for the design of a master plan for Nigeria’s major airports. He further stated the need to give more attention to the area of safety with the procurement of equipment.

He informed the committee that the President has approved the purchase of screening machines for the international airports in Nigeria.

On airport concession, Keyamo considered the 9th Assembly’s concerns about its non-transparent conduct. He however affirmed that concession is the way to go for the five international airports in Nigeria.

He informed the committee that he has written a memo to Mr. President for a quality concession process for the  Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu airport.

Earlier, Keyamo has put the performance of 2023 budget at 40 percent based on the releases so far