Abuja airport power upgrade gulps N8.7bn – Report
In 2024, the Federal Government spent N8.73bn on power infrastructure upgrades at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to ensure a consistent electricity supply at the new international terminal.
This is based on data from BudgIT’s transparency platform, GovSpend, on Wednesday.
The funds were primarily used for outsourced power supply, with payments totaling N5.67bn to J. Marine Logistics Ltd for power supply from March to September 2023.
An additional N2.19bn payment was made in May 2024 for services covering October to December 2023, and N874.42m as part payment for the same period.
The government also proposed N105.95bn for the aviation industry in the 2025 budget, an increase from N63.32bn in 2024. This includes N5bn for energy upgrades at airports and another N5bn for safety and security measures under “Safety and Security Critical Projects and Airport Certification Nationwide.”
The government classified these projects as “ongoing,” aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving passenger experiences.
The Abuja airport has long faced challenges with unreliable power, which disrupted operations and impacted passenger satisfaction.
Critical services such as airfield lighting, baggage handling, and security systems were previously hindered by power outages, raising safety concerns.
Aviation expert Olumide Odunayo commended the government for addressing these issues but called for sustainable solutions.
“The airport should build an alternate power source, probably using solar systems or windmills,” he suggested.
Odunayo emphasised the high costs of relying on electricity distribution networks and diesel-powered generators, describing them as unsustainable.
“Power failures force dependence on diesel generators, which are costly and environmentally unfriendly,” he noted. He urged the adoption of renewable energy to lower costs and ensure reliability.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said it has prioritised safety across its airports. Recently, it introduced core facilities, trained personnel, and conducted safety drills to prepare for emergencies such as aircraft accidents, severe weather, and bomb threats.
Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku in a media chat in November highlighted the importance of safety in aviation stating, “Safety is the cornerstone of every airport operation and the highest priority in creating an environment that passengers and the public can trust,” she said.
She noted that FAAN also upgraded its security technologies, including modern screening equipment, surveillance systems, and access control measures.
Additional efforts include providing operational tools like safety boots, binoculars, and safety cones, and establishing safety libraries for research and data management.
In May 2024, the Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo revealed that the Lagos airport alone costs N1bn monthly in electricity. He outlined plans to transition to solar power systems, aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in aviation.
“We are making cautious efforts towards embracing eco-friendly practices to reduce costs and environmental impact,” Keyamo said, adding that solar energy adoption could save 30 per cent of the monthly electricity costs.
