ABUJA – The federal government is seeking additional European expertise in the construction of its second Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, following a planned rejection of a Chinese Company due to price discrepancies.
The government, under the leadership of its aviation minister, has extended an invitation to European firms to contribute their specialized knowledge towards the construction of a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Aviation experts in the nation believe that this new approach reflects Nigeria’s participation at a recent Eurocham Nigeria 2025 Annual Stakeholders Conference in Lagos.
During the conference, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made an earnest appeal, emphasizing the necessity of international cooperation to deliver top-notch aviation infrastructure.
Represented by his special adviser on service delivery, Janet Oputa, Keyamo highlighted the second runway project as a significant investment opportunity for European technical specialists and financiers.
The country showcased its enhanced adherence to the Cape Town Convention, which has surged from 49% to 75.5%.
This metric can open up new avenues for airline financing and leasing, making fleet expansion for Nigerian airlines more accessible, with endeavors underway to improve aircraft access through dry lease agreements.
The representative of Keyamo mentioned that the government is keen to harness European innovation and engineering prowess to ensure that the project meets global standards.
This plea comes in the wake of recent tensions surrounding the contract for the runway’s construction.
Just last week, Keyamo hinted at the possible annulment of the N90 billion contract initially awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
The company had requested a revision in costs, escalating the budget to N532 billion—an amount deemed excessive by the minister
Apart from the Abuja second runway, Keyamo underscored other areas where European collaboration is vital in modernizing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
These include enhancing airport infrastructure, integrating sustainable technologies like solar-powered airports, and investing in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
He emphasised that such partnerships would enhance operational efficiency, decrease foreign reliance, and elevate overall safety and sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Keyamo also delineated the Federal Government’s accomplishments in revitalising the aviation sector, positioning it as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.
He highlighted the country’s improved compliance with the Cape Town Convention, which has risen from 49% to 75.5%.
This advancement has facilitated smoother fleet expansion for Nigerian airlines, with efforts being made to enhance aircraft access through dry lease arrangements.
Additionally, he pointed out the launch of a consumer protection portal aimed at enriching passenger experiences and ensuring airlines are held accountable.
The minister also touched on the restructuring of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA), which has enabled Nigerian carriers to extend their international routes.
Infrastructure development remains a priority, with investments channeled towards upgrading key airports, including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The construction of Abuja’s second runway is part of this broader strategy, alongside the concession of five international airports to private investors, catalysing terminal upgrades and sectoral expansion.
Nigeria has also witnessed an increase in private airport developments, contributing to job creation and infrastructure expansion. Keyamo further underscored the ongoing establishment of world-class MRO facilities in collaboration with private partners, aiming to lessen Nigeria’s dependence on foreign aircraft maintenance services and create employment opportunities domestically.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT
