Share this
On October 4, 2024, the House of Representatives officially approved President Bola Tinubu’ s proposal to reimburse the Kebbi and Nasarawa state governments approximately N24 billion for the construction of two airports. This significant decision aims to enhance Nigeria’ s aviation infrastructure and streamline air travel within the nation.....Read Full Article>>
The reimbursement plan, which was submitted to the House on May 16, 2024, specifies that Nasarawa State will receive N9. 54 billion, while Kebbi State will be reimbursed N15. 14 billion. These amounts correspond to the costs incurred by both states for the development of their respective airports: the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport located in Birnin Kebbi and the Lafia Cargo Airport in Nasarawa.
During a recent session, the House dissolved into a Committee of Supply to evaluate and adopt the report on this reimbursement request. The letter outlining the proposal was directed to Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House. It emphasized the necessity of establishing a promissory note program for the refund, which indicates the federal government’ s commitment to supporting state- level infrastructure projects.
The construction of these airports represents a significant investment in Nigeria’ s transportation sector. The Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, built at a cost of N15 billion, is expected to facilitate both passenger and cargo traffic, thereby contributing to the economic development of Kebbi State. Similarly, the Lafia Cargo Airport, developed at a cost of N9 billion, aims to improve trade and logistics in Nasarawa, allowing for more efficient movement of goods and services.
In addition to these developments, the Nigerian aviation industry is currently grappling with a shortage of operational aircraft, which has led to soaring airfare prices. Passengers traveling from Lagos to various second- tier airports now face ticket prices ranging from N100, 000 to N300, 000— significantly higher than the average fare of N65, 000 recorded last year. This scarcity of aircraft has forced airlines to either reduce flight frequencies or discontinue services on less profitable routes, further straining travelers’ options.
The federal government’ s takeover of these airports is expected to not only improve operational efficiency but also increase accessibility and affordability for passengers. By investing in critical infrastructure, the government aims to create a more robust aviation network that can support Nigeria’ s growing economy.
In summary, the approval for the acquisition of these two airports marks a proactive step by the federal government in addressing the transportation needs of the country. The financial commitment reflects a broader strategy to bolster Nigeria’ s infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. As reported by Legit. ng, this move is a crucial part of the government’ s agenda to enhance the nation’ s aviation sector and improve travel conditions for its citizens.
Be the first to comment