Nigerian Government announces $40.3m for aviation projects

The Nigerian Government has reportedly approved $40.3m (N16.6bn) for four aviation projects in the country, including the construction of Wachakal Airport in the state of Yobe.

The funding was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

For the construction of Wachakal Airport, the government will make a $15.2m (N6.3bn) investment.

To facilitate post-construction services at this airport, the government will provide $533,624 (N219.8m).

The government has also allocated $23.3m (NGN9.5bn) for the procurement of eight airport rescue and firefighting vehicles.

Nigeria Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika said: “FEC approved four memoranda for the ministry of aviation, one of which is the approval for the construction of Wachakal Airport in Yobe State at the contract sum of N6.2bn.

“And in our drive to develop the sector and ensure connectivity within our region and also improve on our security architecture and also attend to the various needs of civilisation, we found this airport and many others that are coming across the country useful.”

Additionally, the FEC approved the award of contract for the deployment of sniffer dogs at Abuja and Lagos airports.

In August 2020, Nigeria reopened Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu following extensive renovations.

The airport was closed in August 2019 for maintenance work, reconstruction of the facilities and expansion of the runway.