The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Captain Rabiu Audu (Rtd) admits there is disparity between the amount required and the amount approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for remodeling of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, South-East Nigeria.
Captain Audu who was speaking at the interactive session with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation said while the contract sum for the project is N8.5 billion, the President approved N10 billion. He explained that the balance of N1.5 billion is with the Ministry of Aviation.
The interactive session was with the management of FAAN and some key players in the aviation industry in respect of the project.
The lawmakers urged contractors handling the N8.5 billion rehabilitation project to ensure that the work is completed before the Easter celebrations
They noted that the contractor must factor in specification, design, quality as well as follow the bill of quantity, adding that there must also be harmony between the contractor and consultants to ensure a seamless delivery at the appointed time.
The representative of the contracting firm, David Emerson said the current collapse of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is regarded as a major work which is not only limited to the pavement surface but also requires stabilisation of base courses. He added that 600 metres runway extension was constructed in 2010 and failed in 2016 which is just after 6 years.
The Committee told the contracting firm to work with the State Governors in the South-East region on any challenge they might encounter in the course of executing the job.
