Alex Smith
Tue, Aug 29, 2023 8:15 PM

FCTA to Pay N825.8 Million Compensation for Second Runway Construction at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport

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FCTA to Pay N825.8 Million Compensation for Second Runway Construction at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
The FCT Administration has announced that it will pay N825.8 million as compensation for the construction of a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The compensation will be provided through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and will include resettlement of the affected community. The project is expected to be captured in the 2024 budget of the FCT Administration, and its successful completion will enhance infrastructure development in the aviation sector.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the FCT Administration (FCTA) has allocated N825.8 million for compensation and resettlement of the affected community in the Jiwa area for the construction of a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

During a meeting with stakeholders and members of the Jiwa community, Wike emphasized that the compensation amount would be disbursed through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). He also highlighted that the government would offer job opportunities to individuals from the community in relevant aviation and aerospace development agencies under the Ministry of Aviation.

Additionally, the FCTA will construct the Tunga Madaki bridge and a five-kilometre road connecting the bridge to the community, aiming to ensure seamless movement for the local population.

Wike confirmed that the project would be included in the 2024 budget of the FCTA, signifying the government's commitment to the timely delivery of the second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. He lauded the effort of the Chief of Jiwa, Alhaji Isa Idris, in rallying community members for the meeting and resolving the arising issues.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, acknowledged the delay in delivering the project and noted that compensation-related disputes had hindered the mobilization of contractors. However, Keyamo expressed optimism that a swift resolution would expedite the construction process.

The Permanent Secretaries of the FCTA and the Ministry of Aviation, the Chief of Jiwa, the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Council, and the Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission will sign an undertaking to finalize the agreement between the government and the community.

Dr Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved the project in March 2022. The contract was subsequently awarded to four contractors, with CCECC Nigeria Limited as the main contractor.

However, due to disputes surrounding compensation for affected community members, the project had encountered delays. The ministry had initially pegged compensation at N2.5 million per hectare, which was later revised down to N700,000 per hectare when FCTA assumed responsibility for determining the compensation amount.

The Jiwa community expressed concern that the offered compensation would be insufficient for affected individuals to acquire alternative land. As a result, they sought resolution through the Public Complaints Commission.

Regarding the project's impact, successful completion of the second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport will significantly boost aviation infrastructure development in the capital city. The additional runway will enhance airport operations, support increased air traffic, and contribute to overall economic growth and development.

The compensation payment and imminent resolution of compensation disputes pave the way for the commencement of construction, bringing the FCT closer to achieving its infrastructure goals in the aviation sector.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-29 News

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