FCTA backs implementation of aviation roadmap
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has pledged to provide complementary infrastructure to ensure that the Nigerian aviation sector roadmap is successfully implemented in the FCT.
Minister of FCT, gave the assurance when a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Aviation led by the Minister, Sen. Hadi Sirika, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Malam Bello described the aviation roadmap as a legacy project that would have immense impact on the economy of the FCT and the country as a whole, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, job creation as well as its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The FCT minister, while noting that the geometric rise in Abuja’s population has led to increased demand for aviation services, said the aviation roadmap is coming at a very good time.
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He said reliable information from the UN Habitat projects that about 70 per cent of the world’s population would migrate to the urban centres by 2050, hence the need to plan for this massive influx in the FCT.
Therefore, Malam Bello said, as part of efforts towards improving the city’s aviation landscape, the FCT Administration recently rehabilitated the nearly two kilometres stretch of road leading to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in order to cater for the ever growing need of the airport.
He also revealed that the Administration is working towards the eventual relocation of aboriginal settlements around the airport to widen its base, adding that provisions have been for the payment of compensation and resettlement of the inhabitants of these villages.
While noting that efforts are being made to link the Abuja Airport rail station to the main terminal, he disclosed that the first set of coaches meant to be used for the purpose have been shipped already.
Earlier, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said the aviation industry needs of the country is on the increase with overall air passengers rising from 12 million in 2015 to 18 million.
He said the number of air passengers in the FCT has also increased from two million to five million within the same time period and could further rise to eight million by the time a national carrier becomes operational.
