By Chioma Iruke
Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika on Wednesday informed that the construction of the Wachaka Airport in Yobe State will cost up to N6, 284, 065, 056.00.
Sirika who made this disclosure while briefing journalists on Wednesday, said the sum was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during its meeting.
The minister said the construction of the airport was in line with government’s drive to develop the aviation sector and ensure connectivity of the country’s regions as well as to improve security.
“Therefore, the Federal Executive Council in its wisdom had allowed this to proceed and many more are coming in the pipeline.
“And these will generally answer the question as to the growth and development of civilization and also to show preparedness for emergencies and military operation and other security agencies.
“This similar to the one that is being built in Monguno and several other sites like I said earlier,” he said.
He added that a second approval was given for the Post-Consultancy Services for the construction of the Wachakal Airport.
He said contract for the consultancy services was given to Kafe Engineering at the sum of N219,782,500.00, which would include 7.5 percent VAT.
“The third memorandum that was taken is approval for the supply and maintenance of eight units of airport rescue and firefighting vehicle, including spare parts and training, and this was given to Messrs. Gulf of Africa International Limited.
“The exclusive representatives of the OEM and the OEMs are Emirate firefighting equipment factory,” he added.
According to Sirika, the contract sum is N9,535,132,500 and included 7.5 percent VAT, with a delivery period of 12 months.
He explained that firefighting equipment of is a very essential safety item and could lead to the shutdown of the airport if it is not available.
“So by this procurement it will sure up our airports especially our international airports and this is an ongoing procurement,” he stated.
Sirika said his ministry also got approval for the award of contract for the deployment of sniffer dogs in airports in Lagos and Abuja. iHe said that the total contract sum for the procurement s N658,762,783.36, which includes 7.5 percent VAT.
He further added that the contract was given to two companies: Messrs. Dog Whispers and Canine Limited with contract sum of N365,854,376.63 and Messrs Worldwide Canine Limited, whose contract sum was reviewed down to N292,908,300 36.63.
