The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that construction work on the second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja is set to commence soon. Keyamo met with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to discuss compensation and relocation for Abuja indigenes who will be affected by the construction of the new runway.
Keyamo shared this information on his verified Twitter page, emphasizing the importance of compensating and relocating the affected indigenes before the construction work begins. The new runway is part of a larger development project for aviation facilities in the area.
In 2022, the Federal Government allocated 12,000 hectares of land for various aviation projects, including the second runway for the Abuja airport. The construction site for the new runway was handed over to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited. The development plans also include other projects such as a maintenance repair and overhaul center, aviation leasing company, cargo terminals, an aerotropolis (airport city), a national carrier, an aerospace and aviation university, and more.
Additionally, Keyamo mentioned that he engaged with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to address issues related to Emirates Airline flights to Dubai/UAE and the resumption of Dubai visa issuance for Nigerians. He stated that both ministries are working together to resolve these matters.
The construction of the second runway and the overall aviation development projects aim to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and further bolster Nigeria’s aviation sector.