2nd Abuja Runway Underway as FCTA Earmarks N825m to Settle Communities

Construction of the second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja is set to begin as encumbrances stalling the project have been addressed by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCTA)

At a stakeholder meeting held on Tuesday at the FCTA headquarters in Abuja, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, assured the communities that he would stand by them to ensure they were not shortchanged, so that at the end, all parties would be happy.

He urged all stakeholders to support the second runway project and assured all the communities involved that the payment of N825.8 million compensation will commence immediately.

In his remarks, the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, regretted that the second runway ought to have been commissioned by now but due to disagreements, the project was yet to take off.

Keyamo, however, expressed optimism of the quick completion of the project since a resolution has been reached by all parties.

He promised the communities good social corporate responsibility initiatives they would enjoy along with the commencement of the project.

He further explained that the project will benefit the communities in terms of economic activities.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the Federal Government was by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Emmanuel Meribole and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola while Emir of Jiwa, Alh. Idris Musa and some village and district heads signed on behalf of the communities