FAAN Seeks N580bn to Rehabilitate Airport Runways
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Loading... - Shola Rufai
- 16 Jan 2025
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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that it requires N580 billion for the rehabilitation of runways at airports across the country. This urgent need was highlighted by FAAN's Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana.
Mrs. Kuku expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the runways, many of which were constructed in the late 1970s and have since outlived their expected lifespan of 20 to 25 years. She emphasized that the aging infrastructure, including terminals, is significantly impacting operational efficiency and safety at airports.
“N580 billion is required to fix runways across all airports. Many of FAAN’s facilities, including terminals and runways, are ageing and in need of significant repairs and upgrades,” Kuku stated. She noted that this situation necessitates substantial investment for modernization to ensure safe and efficient air travel.
In addition to the physical state of the runways, Kuku highlighted ongoing challenges in managing security risks at airports. Despite efforts to enhance security measures, the increase in air travel and potential threats, including terrorism, pose significant challenges for FAAN.
Kuku also addressed issues of land encroachment, stating that the lack of a perimeter fence has led to constant encroachment on FAAN’s landmass. She pointed out that many airports are equipped with obsolete equipment, such as old fire tenders and generators, which contribute to low efficiency and high maintenance costs.
Despite these challenges, Mrs. Kuku assured that FAAN is committed to modernizing airport infrastructure. Plans include renovating terminals, expanding runways, and upgrading navigational aids to improve overall airport operations.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kana, expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation within Nigeria’s aviation sector and assured FAAN of the ministry’s continuous support in addressing these critical issues.
The call for N580 billion to rehabilitate airport runways underscores the urgent need for investment in Nigeria's aviation infrastructure. As FAAN seeks to modernize and enhance operational efficiency, addressing these challenges will be crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel in the country.
