The Urgent Need for a Second Runway at Abuja Airport – Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the Federal Government has initiated the construction of a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

During a ministerial press briefing on Monday in Abuja, marking President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office, Keyamo emphasized the prolonged controversies and delays the project had faced since the Obasanjo administration.

“Since the Obasanjo era, it was controversy after controversy. Some efforts started during the last administration, so we have to acknowledge that. The necessity of a second runway has long been a critical issue for the nation’s capital. The danger of operating a nation’s capital with just one runway… Imagine foreign heads of state coming to Nigeria and there is a problem with the runway. Where are we going to divert them? Are we going to cancel the conference if they are coming for a conference?

“It is inconceivable that a nation’s capital would be operating on one runway, and we have been doing it for many years,” he explained.

Keyamo confirmed that contractors have moved to the site and construction of the second runway has commenced. He also stated that the ministry would ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and the continuous upward movement of Nigeria’s rating by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Additionally, Keyamo announced the resumption of cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, which had been suspended for a long time. “We have agreed that we are going to resume cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia,” he announced.

Highlighting the importance of air cargo trade globally, he noted, “Globally, air cargo trade accounts for 35 percent of the world trade and, according to the International Air Transport Association, attracts about $6 trillion annually. We were missing within that sector. The resumption of these flights is seen as a first step in a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s participation in global air cargo trade.”

The minister also mentioned ongoing interactions with various countries to resume cargo trade and enhance Nigeria’s benefits from international trade relationships.