The Federal Government has concluded plans to begin the construction of a light rail Red Line originating from Ikeja Bus Stop into the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), MMA2, Air Force Base into the new International Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA). This project is part of the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Initiative for the aviation industry, which has earmarked almost N1 trillion for airport infrastructure upgrade.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, disclosed this information on Monday. He stated that the Tinubu administration has impacted the aviation industry with urgent infrastructure intervention and policies. Keyamo mentioned that the administration has addressed the concern of infrastructure upgrade with N712 billion pumped into overhauling the many decades-old facility.
Keyamo listed other interventions, including the commencement of work on the Abuja Airport second runway at a cost of N400 billion, the building and resurfacing of Akure Airport, and other projects. He spoke at the 67-year anniversary of Nigeria's oldest aviation company, Aero Contractors Airlines in Lagos, where he commended the Tinubu administration for its strides in the aviation industry.
The Minister highlighted the administration's policies, including easy access to aircraft acquisition and the establishment of more airlines by sub-national entities, such as state governments, which are already making inroads into West and Central African routes. Keyamo stated that the current administration has done much in the area of policy by pushing for the support of local airlines, which has increased their fleet with easier access to get airplanes.
Keyamo explained that before now, Nigeria borrowed money to build four airport terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. However, under the Tinubu administration, following the removal of fuel subsidy, there is no more borrowing to build aviation infrastructure. Instead, the gains are being ploughed into projects and policies that will build the economy and create jobs.
The Minister emphasized that the vision of President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope agenda for the aviation sector is anchored on infrastructure and policy. He mentioned that the administration has raised $500 million to rebuild Lagos, not borrowed, as the country's liquidity and foreign reserves have risen.
Captain Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Aero Contractors, urged the Federal Government to ensure its target intervention specifically addresses the challenges facing airlines. He called for the recognition of the airline by the government, commending the Aero Contractors team for its resilience over the years.
Key points
- The Federal Government has earmarked almost N1 trillion for airport infrastructure upgrade under its Renewed Hope Initiative for the aviation industry.
- The construction of a light rail Red Line from Ikeja Bus Stop to the Murtala Muhammed Airport terminals is part of the initiative.
- The Tinubu administration has impacted the aviation industry with urgent infrastructure intervention and policies, including N712 billion for infrastructure upgrade.
