By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
EXTENSIVE MODERNISATION and safety upgrades are set to be implemented at key airports across Nigeria following Federal Executive Council (FEC)’s approval of contracts valued at N987billion.
The announcement came after Thursday’s council meeting at the State House in Abuja, where the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the funding under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
Keyao said projects approved include the complete rehabilitation of International Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
He also stated that the terminal will be stripped down to its structural frame and fully rebuilt to international standards, adding that mechanical and electrical systems will be entirely redesigned and reinstalled.
He disclosed that the contract for this work has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that constructed Terminal Two at the same airport.
In addition, Terminal Two is set to undergo significant expansion, incorporating a new aircraft apron, improved access roads, bridge links, and associated infrastructure.
The total cost for the Lagos airport projects amounts to N712.26billion, with an estimated completion period of 22 months.
For Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, the council approved rehabilitation of both runways and taxiways alongside the installation of Category 2 airfield ground lighting systems.
The N46.39 billion project is expected to be completed in 24 weeks. Keyamo noted that the upgrade will allow aircraft to land safely even during the region’s seasonal hazy conditions.
Security infrastructure at Lagos airport will also receive a substantial boost.
FEC also approved a 14.6-kilometre perimeter fence project featuring closed-circuit surveillance, solar-powered floodlighting, intrusion detection, and patrol roads.
The security enhancement, valued at nearly N50 billion, will be completed within 24 months.
Port Harcourt International Airport is set for critical safety upgrades, including rehabilitation of its runway and taxiway, with a transition to Category 2 airfield lighting.
The project, estimated at N42.14 billion, aims to improve flight safety and operational efficiency during poor weather.
Additionally, the council approved the full business case for a 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
All projects will be executed under the financing structure of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which the minister confirmed has been prioritised for aviation sector transformation.
