Abuja, Nigeria — The proposed second runway project at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport has been stalled due to an alarming surge in costs, raising concerns over transparency and accountability.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed during the ministry’s 2025 budget defense at the National Assembly that the project’s cost had ballooned from ₦90 billion to an astonishing ₦532 billion.
Initially conceived in 2009 with a ₦64 billion budget to address air traffic congestion, the project has been plagued by delays and controversies. Despite multiple allocations over the years, including ₦10 billion in 2017, ₦8 billion in 2018, and ₦14 billion in 2021 in which the project remains incomplete.
In 2022, the contract was awarded to *China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited (CCECC) at a revised cost of ₦67 billion under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. However, the contractor abandoned the site after receiving ₦30 billion of the ₦90 billion allocated, citing “unacceptable contract variation” as its reason for withdrawal.
Speaking on the issue, Keyamo criticized the escalating costs. “From ₦90 billion to ₦532 billion within two years to build the second runway, I will not accept it,” he declared.
The situation has drawn criticism from aviation experts and stakeholders, who are calling for a thorough investigation. Retired Group Captain John Ojikutu urged the National Assembly to review all past submissions on the project, questioning the over 700% cost increase.
Similarly, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, an aviation union leader, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). “Harmonizing policy formulation and contract bidding processes is critical to avoiding further delays and national embarrassment,” he said.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, attributed the cost surge to changes in project scope, forex fluctuations, and price variations, stating, “The scope of the project has evolved, and additional information is under review by the minister.”
Keyamo has threatened to terminate the contract if the excessive cost demands persist, saying, “Canceling the contract remains an option.”
As negotiations continue, calls for enhanced transparency and better management of public funds have intensified. Stakeholders are urging the federal government to address these concerns promptly to salvage the project and uphold Nigeria’s reputation in the aviation sector.
By Taiwo Olatinwo| January 27, 2025
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