The Federal Government has approved N106 billion for the construction of 11 new international airport terminal buildings, Aviation Minister Stella Oduah announced on Thursday.

Oduah told a news conference in Abuja that the amount was approved at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

She said the new international terminal projects were different from the ongoing remodeling and reconstruction of 11 airports in the country.

She said the 11 new projects would include five international terminals for commercial flights and six for perishable cargoes.

Odual also said that the FEC had given approval for the award of contracts for the ``immediate take off of construction work on the five terminals for international flights.

They are Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

The six perishable cargo terminals will be in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Asaba.

Oduah said that the projects were part of the government's road map to achieve its transformation agenda in the aviation sector.

``The second phase in our implementation strategy of the Road Map which falls under the medium term programme of action is the construction of five new international terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu.

``Only yesterday, we achieved a significant milestone in this regard when Mr President and the FEC graciously granted approval for the award of contract for the immediate take-off of construction work on these terminals.

``For us as a ministry and government, we consider this development a huge opportunity to put to practical effect, the present administration's Transformation Agenda,'' Oduah said.

The minister said that the first phase of the remodeling and construction of 11 airports would be completed in the next 90 days, while the contract for the second phase of another 11 airports would take two years before completion.

She explained that the projects were to be executed with a concessionary loan from China Nexim Bank in 22 years with 5 years moratorium at an interest rate of 2 per cent. Oduah added that mobilisation to site by the contractors was expected to commence in the next 90 days. ``What this means is that before the end of the lifespan of this administration, we would have been able to bequeath to Nigerians the airports of their dreams.

``Our dream is to also strive to transform Nigeria's aviation sector into a major contributor to the nation's GDP and the airports are pivotal to the actualisation of this dream. ``The award of contracts for the construction of the new international airport terminals will, therefore, be a significant first step in this direction,'' she said. Oduah said the third phase of the implementation strategy of the aviation transformation was the Aerotropolis project -- airport cities that provide clusters of businesses.

According to her, the Aerotropolis will provide businesses in manufacturing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) amongst others. ``Recently, we embarked on an international Investors' Road Show to China, Canada and the United States of America (USA) to market the huge opportunities that abound for investment in the nation's aviation sector.

``Again, I am very happy to inform you that our team was not only well received in those countries, but also quite significant, is the fact that the trip has begun to yield great results.

``In a few days' time, I shall be returning to China to sign a contract for the take off of construction work on the five brand new terminals. We shall also use the opportunity to conclude discussions with the investors that have shown tremendous interest and enthusiasm to invest in the Aerotroplis project,'' Oduah said.

Eleven airports that are currently undergoing reconstruction are Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), Lagos; the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa; the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. Others are Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos; the airports in Yola, Kaduna and Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri.

(NAN)

billante: GEJ admnistration has gotten serious and has entered full throttle!! His 2013 promise might not be an empty promise after all!!

Fresh AIR indeed!

debosky: So Nigeria needs to loan 106 bn to refurbish its airports?

How much has been given away in fake subsidy to cronies of the PDP that could easily be recouped and used to revamp the airports?

Fresh air indeed - increasing Nigeria's indebtedness to do something that is clearly within the affordability of Nigeria's Federal Government.

I'll wait to see the project completed before passing further comments - after all, awarding fat contracts has never been the problem for Nigeria

debosky: So Nigeria needs to loan 106 bn to refurbish its airports?

How much has been given away in fake subsidy to cronies of the PDP that could easily be recouped and used to revamp the airports?

Fresh air indeed - increasing Nigeria's indebtedness to do something that is clearly within the affordability of Nigeria's Federal Government.

I'll wait to see the project completed before passing further comments - after all, awarding fat contracts has never been the problem for Nigeria

billante:
Dude its brand new terminals that are going to be constructed with the loan, not refurbished.... The govt has like a thousand projects going on, you don't expect them to have the finances to fund each project! Beside there is nothing wrong with the loan! Its soft and can be paid back comfortable.

debosky:

Why initiate another airport project without completing the first one? Why do we need to refurbish 11 terminals AND build 11 new terminals as well? Where is the feasibility/viability studies justifying 6 perishable goods cargo airports?

I do not see the rush to build new terminals when the existing ones are not functioning as required or properly maintained.

PROUD-IGBO:
Saw this story on the news this evening. I think businessday online may have got their facts wrong over the location of the cargo terminals, as i specifically heard the Minister mention they would be located in each of the geo-political zones. Hence the number being 6.

So any renders yet.....or are they putting the cart b/4 the horse on this one?

billante:

Those six cities are correct! They are d cities d minister called.... Beside they are in all d six geo-political zones except north east which was replaced with asaba!! Since those cave men don't want civilization!

In case of tenders! I think since china is providing the loan, chinese companies will also do d construction.

pazienza: Asaba,Enugu and PH. Well this south south thing is not that bad,Ekwueme might be right afterall.

asha 80: as the fg wants to upgrade the enugu airport they also have fully repair enugu onisha and enugu ph highways as most people landing in this airport are likely to use the aformentioned roads

asha 80: as the fg wants to upgrade the enugu airport they also have fully repair enugu onisha and enugu ph highways as most people landing in this airport are likely to use the aformentioned roads

PROUD-IGBO:


^^^Good point, but i wish the South East Governors would -on a PPP basis- make moves to construct a regional/modern rail network linking the cities of Onitsha, Nnewi, Enugu, Nsukka, Abakaliki, Awka, Owerri, Oguta, Umuahia and Aba; linking up with cities in the South South like Port Harcourt, Uyo, Calabar, Asaba and Warri.....with commitment and the right leadership (like a Nnaji or Akunyili overseeing things) it's possible.

PapaBrowne: This Government is doing things that were not done in the last 25 years in Nigeria.

Power- For the first time, We are feeling the impact.

Agriculture- Tremendous change is happening there!

Roads- There is highway construction happening in every region and they are countless. It could be faster.

Railways- Small small renovations of tracks. We need faster tracks.

Airports- Not only have they remodelled the horrible prisons we called airports, they are building brand new terminals!! Excellent!

The Police- The police force has begun to solve very mysterious murder cases in very explained fashion.

There are only two area this Government has not yet hit a home run- 1) Corruption 2) National security!

We need to accord them accolades when they perform!! And I think they are sitting up fast!!

billante:

I don't get you!

dedeike:

Even on corruption, the government has hit the ground running. There has been revolutionary probes into our public finances and oil revenue.
Increasingly, accountability and transperancy has become a key issue in an oil sector hitherto shrouded in secrecy. More than ever before, govt initiated investigations into subsidy management in this country.
They also took the bold step to transfer subsidy funds from first line charges to the national budget for accountability. Any informed Nigerian can now access the exact amounts slated for subsidy yearly. Gradually, we are witnessing the criminal prosecution of untouchable subsidy cabal. The minister of Finance is fighting it out with marketers over subsidy claims. Probity is gradually setting in.

For the first time, a probe report is conclusive and being enforced with a long list of indictees meant to refund over 400 billion Naira to national coffers.
The budget bazaar is over as the minister of finance insists on thorough verification before release of funds.
Pension scammers are being exposed and currently standing trial.
EFCC is set to charge more suspects when the courts resume next week.

PapaBrowne: This Government is doing things that were not done in the last 25 years in Nigeria.

Power- For the first time, We are feeling the impact.

Agriculture- Tremendous change is happening there!

Roads- There is highway construction happening in every region and they are countless. It could be faster.

Railways- Small small renovations of tracks. We need faster tracks.

Airports- Not only have they remodelled the horrible prisons we called airports, they are building brand new terminals!! Excellent!

The Police- The police force has begun to solve very mysterious murder cases in very explained fashion.

There are only two area this Government has not yet hit a home run- 1) Corruption 2) National security!

We need to accord them accolades when they perform!! And I think they are sitting up fast!!

dedeike:

Even on corruption, the government has hit the ground running. There has been revolutionary probes into our public finances and oil revenue.
Increasingly, accountability and transperancy has become a key issue in an oil sector hitherto shrouded in secrecy. More than ever before, govt initiated investigations into subsidy management in this country.
They also took the bold step to transfer subsidy funds from first line charges to the national budget for accountability. Any informed Nigerian can now access the exact amounts slated for subsidy yearly. Gradually, we are witnessing the criminal prosecution of untouchable subsidy cabal. The minister of Finance is fighting it out with marketers over subsidy claims. Probity is gradually setting in.

For the first time, a probe report is conclusive and being enforced with a long list of indictees meant to refund over 400 billion Naira to national coffers.
The budget bazaar is over as the minister of finance insists on thorough verification before release of funds.
Pension scammers are being exposed and currently standing trial.
EFCC is set to charge more suspects when the courts resume next week.

PapaBrowne: This Government is doing things that were not done in the last 25 years in Nigeria.

The Police- The police force has begun to solve very mysterious murder cases in very explained fashion.

There are only two area this Government has not yet hit a home run- 1) Corruption 2) National security!

We need to accord them accolades when they perform!! And I think they are sitting up fast!!