The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), orchestrated a pivotal stakeholder meeting on August 29, 2023, at the FCT conference room in Abuja.
This assembly aimed to resolve the lingering issues impeding the commencement of Abuja’s second runway project, which involves communities affected by the initiative.
The head of press and public affairs of the Aviation Ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi disclosed that a resolution emerged from this gathering. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo indicated that the second runway was initially slated for commissioning around June or July 2023. However, delays in mobilisation to the site persisted due to unsettled compensation matters.
Keyamo clarified that compensation-related matters are not within the purview of the Ministry of Aviation, highlighting that the communities’ colossal demands are impractical and would set an undesirable precedent. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the project’s swift completion now that all parties have reached a resolution.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, conveyed the resolutions after the stakeholder meeting. He voiced his alignment with the communities, pledging personal efforts to ensure their satisfaction. Wike urged all stakeholders to throw their weight behind the second runway project. Assuring the attendees, he confirmed that the compensation of N825,819,119.43 for the communities would commence promptly.
Additionally, Wike affirmed the communities’ participation in social corporate responsibility initiatives, in tandem with the project’s commencement. He underscored that the undertaking would not only foster economic activities but also bring about tangible benefits to the localities.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was executed on behalf of the Federal Government by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole and Mr. Olusade Adesola, the permanent secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Representing the communities, the Emir of Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa alongside various village and district heads, also endorsed the agreement.
