Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, and Nyesom Wike, Minister of FCT, discuss compensation and relocation of Abuja indigenes affected by the construction of a second runway at the Abuja Airport.
The construction of the second runway for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, necessitates the compensation and relocation of Abuja indigenes affected by the project.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has recently held discussions with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to address these issues.
Keyamo’s Efforts to Resolve Compensation and Relocation Issues
Keyamo, concerned about the displacement of FCT indigenes, has been proactive in ensuring their compensation and relocation before the commencement of construction works.
The Federal Government had secured 12,000 hectares of land earlier in the year for the aerotropolis project in Abuja, which includes not only a second runway for Abuja Airport but also a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, an Aviation Leasing Company (ALC), agro-allied cargo terminals, a national carrier, and the Africa Aerospace and Aviation University (AAAU), among others.
Official Handover of Construction Site
The Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello, handed over the certificate of occupancy for the hectares of land in Abuja to the former Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika.
Subsequently, the construction site for the second runway was handed over to the contractor, China Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited (CCECC).
Keyamo Insists on Compensation Before Construction
Keyamo has emphasized the necessity of compensating and relocating the indigenes before beginning construction on the site.
He asserted that the contractors, mobilized by the Federal Government, are ready to move to the site but reiterated that the indigenes must first be compensated and relocated.
Restoration of Direct Flight Services
In addition to addressing the compensation and relocation issues, Keyamo and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, discussed the possible restoration of direct flight services between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
They also discussed the related issue of resuming the issuance of Dubai visas to Nigerians, which was suspended in 2022. Keyamo assured that progress is being made on these issues.
Criticism from Aviation Round Table
However, Dr. Gabriel Olowo, the immediate past President of the Aviation Round Table (ART), questioned the prioritization of the second Abuja runway by the Federal Government.
He argued that the government should first address other pressing issues, such as the blocked funds by foreign airlines and the poor condition of the international wing of the Lagos Airport.
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FAQs
Who is responsible for the compensation and relocation of Abuja indigenes affected by the construction of the second runway?
The Federal Government, represented by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, is responsible for the compensation and relocation of the affected indigenes.
What other facilities are included in the aerotropolis project besides the second runway?
The aerotropolis project includes a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, an Aviation Leasing Company (ALC), agro-allied cargo terminals, a national carrier, and the Africa Aerospace and Aviation University (AAAU), among others.
Who is the contractor for the construction of the second runway?
The contractor for the construction of the second runway is the China Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited (CCECC).
What other issues were discussed by Festus Keyamo and Yusuf Tuggar?
Besides the compensation and relocation of affected indigenes, they discussed the possible restoration of direct flight services between Nigeria and the UAE, and the resumption of the issuance of Dubai visas to Nigerians.
Why is there criticism from the Aviation Round Table regarding the construction of the second runway?
The Aviation Round Table criticizes the prioritization of the second runway over other pressing issues, such as the blocked funds by foreign airlines and the poor condition of the international wing of the Lagos Airport.
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