Abuja airport power upgrade gulps N8.7bn – Report
The Federal Government of Nigeria allocated N8.73 billion in 2024 for power infrastructure upgrades at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, aimed at ensuring a reliable electricity supply for the new international terminal. This information was revealed in a report from BudgIT’s transparency platform, GovSpend.
The majority of the funds were directed towards outsourced power supply, with N5.67 billion paid to J. Marine Logistics Ltd for services from March to September 2023. Additionally, N2.19 billion was disbursed in May 2024 for services covering October to December 2023, along with another N874.42 million as part payment for the same period.
The airport has faced ongoing electricity issues, leading to disruptions in critical operations such as airfield lighting, baggage handling, and security systems. Aviation expert Olumide Odunayo praised the government’s efforts but emphasized the need for a more sustainable energy approach, suggesting the adoption of renewable sources like solar or wind power to reduce costs.
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo echoed this sentiment, noting plans to implement solar power systems across airports to cut operational costs by 30%. The government has also allocated N105.95 billion for the aviation sector in its 2025 budget, which includes N5 billion for power improvements at various airports.
These investments aim to enhance passenger experiences and operational efficiency at Nigeria’s airports, reinforcing their status as international hubs.
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 establish an alternative power source, potentially utilizing solar systems or wind turbines,” he proposed. Odunayo highlighted the excessive costs associated with relying on electricity distribution networks and diesel generators, labeling them as unsustainable.
“Power outages force us to depend on diesel generators, which are both expensive and harmful to the environment,” he pointed out. He advocated for the adoption of renewable energy to reduce costs and enhance reliability.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has stated that it prioritizes safety across its airports. Recently, the agency implemented core facilities, trained personnel, and conducted safety drills to prepare for emergencies such as aircraft accidents, severe weather, and bomb threats.
In a media discussion in November, FAAN Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku emphasized the critical importance of safety in aviation, asserting, “Safety is the cornerstone of every airport operation and the highest priority in creating an environment that passengers and the public can trust.
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.
Kester Terna
