The Federal Government and communities in Abuja whose land may be affected by the second airport runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport have signed a memorandum of understanding resolving all lingering issues delaying the construction of the runway.
According to a post on the official handle of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the signing of the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government was done by the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel Marable, and the Permanent Secretary, the 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.
Arising from a resolution, issued at the end of the meeting, Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said: “The second runway ought to have been commissioned by now, sometime in June or July 2023 but we haven’t mobilized yet to the site because of unresolved issues of compensation”.
He stated that the issues around compensation by law does not concern the Ministry of Aviation and that the humongous demand by the communities is not achievable and would set a bad precedent.
He however expressed optimism of quick completion of the project since a resolution has been reached by all parties.
He assured the communities of the social corporate responsibility they stand to enjoy along with the commencement of the project and explained that the project will benefit the communities in terms of economic activities.
The Hon. Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike while announcing the resolutions at the end of the stakeholder meeting said “I want to identify myself with the community, if there is anything I can do to make you happy I will make it alone.”
He urged all stakeholders to support the second runway project and assured all that the compensation of N825, 819, 119. 43 to the communities will commence immediately.
