BEVERLY HILLS, March 30, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has revealed that the Runway repairs ongoing at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, is 57.5 percent completed.

This was disclosed on Thursday, in Abuja, after the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika and the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, inspected the extent of work done three weeks into the closure of the runway.

The FG also disclosed that escalators, lifts and lounge will be installed at Terminal building to ease the movement for the aged and the physically challenged.

“Without going deep into the reasons why the airport had to be closed; basically because of safety, the runway had completely failed at several sections, making it impossible to take the option of repairs at night and operating by day,” Sirika said.

“Here we are, we choose the decision in the interest of safety and we commenced. Work is going on smoothly and everything is in order.

“From the programme of work, we were supposed to import all necessary materials that need to be imported and those that are local be sourced and at the work site, the contractor has mobilized fully and we have done now about 57.5 percent of the total work which is good and which shows that we are on time and that we are doing what we are supposed to do to ensure that the runway is opened come 19th of April.

“We are doing complete rehabilitation of Wing D at the airport. We will put escalators and lifts for departure at that terminal. We are on course and this runway will be opened on the 19th of April and it will not only be opened, the terminal building will wear a new look.

“In the Terminal B, we are building a new lift also, constructing it to install and of course, toilets and other artillery services will be provided. So, the benefit of this closure means that we are having improved terminal.

“A terminal that is more robust, take more passengers and create seamless flow, international and local passengers not mixing. They will go to different sides of the airport entirely and that is according to international standards, ICAO standards and recommended practices.

“So, the airport will be more compliant if you ask me and more functional and efficient at the time it will be opened.

“The runway work is going according to plan and you could also see that we are working simultaneously. Whilst the surface work is being finished, the installation of lightings are going on at the same time, channels are being cut for the laying of wires and also installation of lights at the same time.”

Sirika also revealed that “We have had about 50 international flights out of Kaduna, we have moved about 4000 international passengers out of Kaduna and about 73,000 domestic passengers and about 1,119 aircraft movement for domestics.

“There are inconveniences for people but I am sure Nigerians are in support in the interest of safety.”

Also speaking, Lai Mohammed assured that the six weeks promised will not be extended.

“We believe it is befitting that we bring you here again since we are three weeks gone from the six weeks we promised to see the extent of the work that has been done.

“This is to reiterate that the six weeks we promised the world is still valid and we don’t intend to give any excuses.”