The construction of a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has been stalled following a significant cost escalation, increasing the initial budget of ₦90 billion to an alarming ₦532 billion.
The development was revealed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the ministry’s 2025 budget defense at the National Assembly. The runway project, initially proposed to address growing air traffic congestion, has been mired in delays and controversies since its conception. Originally approved with a ₦64 billion budget in 2009, it was canceled in 2010 amid corruption allegations.
Despite subsequent budgetary allocations—including ₦10 billion in 2017, ₦8 billion in 2018, ₦13 billion in 2019, and ₦14 billion in 2021, the project has struggled to gain traction.
Under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited (CCECC) at a revised cost of ₦67 billion.
However, the project has faced further setbacks, with Minister Keyamo disclosing that the contractor abandoned the site after receiving ₦30 billion of the ₦90 billion allocated.
CCECC cited an “unacceptable contract variation” as the reason for its withdrawal, requesting a cost adjustment that the minister has deemed excessive.
“From ₦90 billion to ₦532 billion within two years to build the second runway—I will not accept it,” Keyamo stated.
The cost escalation has sparked criticism and calls for accountability. Aviation experts, including retired Group Captain John Ojikutu and Mr. Olu Ohunayo, have urged the National Assembly to investigate the financial history of the project.
“The National Assembly should review all previous submissions on the second runway. A cost increase of over 700% must be thoroughly examined. I believe these figures are too high,” Ojikutu said.
Similarly, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, an aviation union leader, called for improved collaboration between the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to ensure project integrity.
“Policy formulation and contract bidding processes must be harmonized to prevent further delays and embarrassment to Nigeria’s aviation sector,” he said.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, provided limited clarification on the project, noting changes in scope, price variations, and forex fluctuations.
“The scope of the project has changed, and additional information has come to light, which the minister is reviewing,” she said.
Keyamo threatened to cancel the contract entirely if the demands for additional funds persist.
“I will not accept it. Canceling the contract remains an option,” he declared.
As the federal government deliberates on the contractor’s demand, stakeholders are bracing for prolonged negotiations to resolve the impasse. Meanwhile, calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds continue to grow.
