FG, stakeholders insist due process was followed on airport remodelling

Following the criticisms and counter claims that have followed the ongoing remodelling of Nigerian airports’ terminal buildings, some aviation stakeholders as well as the Federal Ministry of Aviation have claimed that due process was followed on the award of the contract for the projects.

The claims followed a statement allegedly attributed to Abiodun Adeleke, chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values, who alleged that there was a breach of contract award processes in the remodelling of the airports.

One of the stakeholders, Usman Balarabe, a pilot, told journalists in Lagos that “it was quite shocking for any person from Nigeria who has utilised the airport for the past 30 years and had noticed the rot in infrastructure to voice any protest, given the magnitude of the rehabilitation that has so far been undertaken in just over two years.” Balarabe, a former director of aviation security and safety, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said by this remodelling programme, government had changed the old culture of neglect of the airports, and rather than heap criticisms, it should be commended for upgrading airport facilities to international standards.

Also speaking, Association of Young Aviators, said “all that Nigerians want is functional airport with modern facilities and not to biker over due process as it has not yet been proven that funds budgeted for the remodelling projects were diverted.”

Also speaking, Joe Obi, special adviser to aviation minister on media, said all the contracts awarded for the remodelling of the nation’s airports followed due process, explaining that all contracts for the remodelling of the airports and other critical infrastructure/equipment followed all due processes prescribed by the relevant law of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

“It would be misleading to insinuate that contracts awarded through a Selective Tendering Process, as is the case with some contract awards in the aviation ministry did not necessarily follow due process.

Article accredited: Businessday