Osinbajo Expresses Satisfaction with Work at Abuja Airport

By Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
 

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday disclosed that, the ongoing renovation works on the 3.6 kilometers runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was nearing 80 per cent completion, adding that he had no reservations about the quality of work done so far. 

 The VP, who was on inspection tour of the airport noted that having looked around and  got  information from the contractors, it “look as if things are going very, very well.”

 Osinbajo, who was conducted  round the airport by the managing director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigerian (FAAN), Mr. Saleh Dunuma, hinted that, “we are told that we are now nearing 80 per cent and we are clearly on schedule.”

 According to him, “we expect to see that this will be completed without any delay whatsoever. We have assurances from the contractors, consultants that we are clearly on schedule.”

 Speaking further, Osinbajo revealed that, “I have no reservations looking at all of these myself and after listening to the contractors, consultants and FAAN officials.” 

He explained that, a lot of work had been done and that, he heard the contractors were doing shifts for 24 hours. 

“They have taken the job very seriously. We expect that the job will be completed on the 19th as promised.”

 Responding, Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Dunuma , said, “I will start with the overall completion which is 80 per cent as of today”.

 Dunuma stated that the other critical elements of works were still ongoing, chief among them was the asphalt laying, which he noted was  about 73 per cent.

 According to him, “graphing lighting is about 40 per cent. The next critical item is of course marking which will start on Monday that one is very critical, our regulator would have to come and certify what we have done then we will be ready for the reopening on the 19th. 

The MD said: “we are seizing this opportunity of it being empty to rehabilitate the entire terminal building, all the facilities that are there – electrical and civil. 

Asked if it would be ready before the terminal open, he said, “that is the plan, we will get it done before the 19th. All the works that is going on there will be completed by the 19th.”

He added that, there was need for a second runway and that the April 19 given date remained sacrosanct. 

“You have seen how far we have gone, you  have witnessed all the activities that you have seen going on and I want to reassure Nigerians that come 19th we will open for traffic”, he assured.