The Federal Government of Nigeria spent N8.73bn on airport power infrastructure in 2024, primarily to ensure a consistent electricity supply at the new international terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
This expenditure was highlighted in a report by BudgIT’s transparency platform, GovSpend.
Significant payments were made to J. Marine Logistics Ltd for outsourced power supply, including N5.67bn for power supply between March and September 2023, N2.19bn on 9 May 2024 for services covering October to November 2023 and part of December 2023, and an additional N874.42m on the same day as a part-payment for power during that period.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport has long struggled with inconsistent electricity, resulting in operational disruptions and passenger dissatisfaction. In the past, power outages have impacted critical services such as airfield lighting, baggage handling systems, and security scanning equipment, raising safety concerns, particularly during night operations and peak travel periods.
Aviation expert Olumide Odunayo commended the government’s efforts but stressed the need for a more sustainable approach, such as building alternative power sources like solar systems or windmills. He highlighted the high costs associated with the current power arrangements and the inefficiencies of relying on diesel-powered generators.
Odunayo urged the government to transition to renewable energy sources, noting that this would reduce costs and provide a more reliable and environmentally friendly energy supply.
In addition to the 2024 investments, the Federal Government has appropriated N105.95bn for the aviation industry in the 2025 budget, marking a significant increase from the N63.32bn allocated in the outgoing year. Among the proposed expenditures, N5bn has been earmarked for power and energy improvements at airports in Lagos, Abuja, and other locations.
The new terminal at Abuja airport, commissioned in December 2018, was designed to handle increased passenger traffic and provide state-of-the-art facilities.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo stated that the ministry is working on adopting eco-friendly practices to eliminate the use of diesel in airport operations, aiming to cut high operational costs and reduce carbon emissions.
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