Photo Caption
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Emmanuel Meribole; Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola; Hon. Minister of Aviation, Barrister Festus Keyamo, and FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike
By Ignatius Ushie
In an effort to resolve all issues delaying the take-off of Abuja’s second runway by communities affected by the project, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and the Federal Capital Development Authority convened a meeting of stakeholders yesterdy, 29th August, 2023 at the FCT conference Room, Abuja.
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 precedence.
He however expressed optimism of quick completion of the project since a resolution has been reached by all parties, adding that the communities will enjoy some economic benefits at the commencement of the project and explained that the project will benefit the communities in terms of economic activities.
In his remark, the Hon. Minister, 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.
The Signing of the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government was by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Emmanuel Meribole and the Permanent Secretary, 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.
