FAAN seeks N580bn to rehabilitate airport runways

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has stated it requires N580bn for the rehabilitation of runways at airports nationwide.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, lamented the state of the runways within the nation on Wednesday whereas receiving the Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Improvement, Dr Ibrahim Kana.

Kuku stated the runways constructed within the late Nineteen Seventies had outlived their lifespan.

She added that apart from the runways, different airport infrastructures comparable to terminals additionally want main rehabilitation, stressing that this has been affecting operational effectivity and security.

She stated, “N580bn is required to repair runways throughout all airports, their life span is between 20 to 25 years however a lot of the airports had been inbuilt 1978.

“A lot of FAAN’s amenities, together with terminals and runways, are ageing and in want of great repairs and upgrades. This impacts operational effectivity and security and necessitates substantial funding for modernisation.

“Additionally, regardless of efforts to reinforce safety at airports, FAAN continues to face challenges in managing safety dangers, notably with the rise in air journey and the potential for terrorist actions or different threats at key airport areas.”

On land encroachment, Kuku acknowledged that because of the lack of a fringe fence, FAAN’s landmass is consistently being encroached.

“Out of date gear comparable to previous fireplace tenders, turbines, air-con techniques conveyor traces with worn-out slats, belts, and motors, could be discovered in lots of airports which have low effectivity and have excessive upkeep value.”

The FAAN boss, nonetheless, promised to modernise the airports’ infrastructure by renovating terminals, increasing runways, and upgrading navigational aids.

Earlier, the everlasting secretary expressed confidence within the ongoing transformation inside Nigeria’s aviation sector. He promised the ministry’s steady assist to FAAN.