Amina Isah Abuja

Investigation has revealed that the ongoing reconstruction of the runway of the Nnandi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has reached 57.5 percent, ROYAL NEWS has gathered.

This is sequel to the untrue rumour that the project would be extended.

However, an inspection tour carried out by the minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika in company of Minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and some journalists showed that the reconstruction work has reached 57.5% completion contrary to the rumour.

Sirika disclosed this yesterday in Abuja adding that the reconstruction is mid-way into the six weeks earmarked for the project.

He said: “Work is going on smoothly as you can see. We have taken you round and everything is in order.

“The contractor has mobilised fully and we have now gone about 57.5% of the total work, which is good, which shows that we are on course,which shows that we are on time, which shows that we are doing what we are supposed to do to ensure that the runway is opened come 19th of April.”

Sirika further noted that in addition to the opening of the runway at the expiration of the six-week target, an upgraded terminal to ensure passenger comfort, in line with the protocol of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), will also be ready.

“This airport will be opened come 19th of April and it will not only be opened at the time but the terminal building will wear a new look. We are doing a complete rehabilitation of Terminal D of the
International Airport. We will put escalators and lifts at them terminal and also we are opening a lounge for the physically challenged and the elderly,” he added.

The Minister Laos stressed that work on the runway is also going on simultaneously with lighting installation and laying of cables, which have also reached an advanced stage.

He noted that for the first time in Nigeria, glasphalt – a variety of asphalt that uses crushed glass – is being used to reinforce the runway and also prevent cracks.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the inspection tour is aimed at providing first-hand experience for the journalists on the progress so far made on the reconstruction of the runway.

According to him, “Last week Tuesday, we took a trip by train to Kaduna together. We experienced the train ride, we saw the train station and the Honourable Minister (of State for Aviation) received us at the
airport, where we were taken round the operations at the Kaduna Airport and we came back together by road to give you a wholesome and complete experience of the efforts we have put in place to ensure
minimal inconvenience and maximum security and safety, occasioned by the temporary closure of the airport.

“We believe it’s only fitting that we bring you here today, since we have three weeks gone from the six weeks we promised, for you to come and see the extent of work that has been done.”