- Minister Keyamo calls relocation of foreign airlines from old to new Lagos terminal “unfortunate” due to September fire incident
- Keyamo emphasizes federal government commitment to renovating the terminal, highlighting Lagos airport’s significance as Nigeria’s major entry point
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has described the “hasty” relocation of foreign airlines from Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s old terminal to the new one in Lagos as unfortunate.
He did, however, acknowledge that the September fire that destroyed the terminal made the relocation unavoidable at the time, while assuring that the federal government was committed to renovating the terminal.
When Keyamo received the report of the taskforce he formed to oversee the relocation of foreign airlines, he spoke.
It was reported that foreign airlines relocated about a month after the minister’s directive, but the majority of them refused to relocate due to the size of the apron, which cannot accommodate larger planes.
However, the sudden relocation of the airlines caused significant inconvenience to passengers and even the operators, even though some airlines were forced to adjust their schedule.
According to a statement by the head of the ministry’s Department of Press and Public Affairs, Odutayo Oluseyi, Keyamo, who received the taskforce’s report on Friday, noted that the Lagos airport accounted for 60% of entry and exit points into Nigeria.
Abuja airport second runway to be ready in 12 months – Keyamo
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stated on Tuesday that the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja would be completed in 12 months.
The minister revealed this during an inspection of airport facilities, saying the government had resolved the lingering issues on community compensation that had delayed the project’s start.
He said:
On the second runway, I have to go and meet the FCT Minister to clear the obstacle on the way. As of today, the report I have is that the communities have started receiving the money we disbursed.
The Chinese company handling the project said it would clear the place next week and move to the site. So, we are going to invite Mr. President to come and commission it.
For Abuja, as a capital city, it is extremely important that I work with relevant ag