Yobe State’s N11.3 billion cargo airport would be completed in the next five months, the Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Lawan Shettima, said on Thursday.
Shettima who disclosed this to journalists in an interview in Damaturu, the state capital assured that the airport contract awarded in September 2017 would be completed before the expiration of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam’s administration.
He said, “In spite of the additional works introduced in the project, work has reached 67 percent completion.
“The runway has reached 55 per cent, access road, 56 percent; gatehouse, 73 percent; and gauge wire fence of the entire airport, 100 percent, just as the terminal has reached advanced stage.”
The commissioner further stated that the runway was extended from 3.1km to 4.1km and a round beam introduced to the terminal building, while the control tower was expanded with advice from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
According to him, the additional work will cost the state government another N4.3 billion, adding that installation of the equipment will begin by January 2019.
Shettima said that the ministry had been adequately supervising the project to ensure quality work.
He said, “The parking bay at the airport fire service station has also been increased from two to three to accommodate additional fire fighting vehicles.
“The state government has adequate funds to service completion of the project; in fact, government has opened a dedicated account for the airport project.
“It is another project very close to the governor’s heart; he wants it completed in time.”