Keyamo Breaks Silence on $470M Airport Renovation: “Let Nigerians Be the Judge”
Keyamo Breaks Silence on $470M Airport Renovation: “Let Nigerians Be the Judge”
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has spoken out regarding the $470 million renovation of Nigeria’s international airports, urging the public to judge the project’s merit themselves.
Speaking during an interview covered by Punch, Keyamo emphasized that the funds were not borrowed under his administration but part of a longstanding Chinese loan agreement initiated by previous governments. He clarified that his duty was to oversee the effective execution of the project.
“The project predated my appointment. What I am doing is pushing for its timely completion and ensuring quality,” Keyamo stated.
He added that while criticism is welcome in a democracy, it should be constructive and informed by the facts. According to the Minister, a significant portion of the funds is already committed to work at the Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano airports.
Keyamo further reassured the public that the renovation was being monitored to meet international standards, particularly in safety, passenger experience, and infrastructure longevity.
“This is not about defending the government blindly. Let Nigerians see the airports when completed and judge whether the $470 million was well spent,” he said.
The $470 million airport upgrade project, funded through a loan from China Exim Bank, has faced renewed scrutiny due to Nigeria’s economic challenges. However, the government insists the improvements are necessary for safety and modernization.
