FG orders CCECC to resume Abuja airport second runway project

The Federal Government has directed China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to return to work on the long-delayed second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo announced the directive during the 67th anniversary celebration of Aero Contractors in Lagos.

Keyamo said President Bola Tinubu had approved the resumption of work on the project.

Project now estimated at nearly N400bn

The aviation minister said the second runway had been debated for close to two decades and argued that delays had significantly increased its cost.

According to Keyamo, the project was discussed during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when an estimated cost of about N45 billion generated controversy.

He said the same infrastructure is now expected to cost close to N400 billion.

Keyamo cited the increase as an example of the financial consequences of delaying major public infrastructure projects.

Abuja airport currently depends heavily on its existing runway, making the proposed second runway a significant aviation infrastructure project for the Federal Capital Territory.

Keyamo praises Aero Contractors

The minister also praised Aero Contractors for remaining in operation despite the collapse of numerous Nigerian airlines over the years.

He said information he received from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority showed that about 100 airlines had ceased operations in the country over time.

Aero Contractors began operations in 1959 and marked its 67th anniversary this year.