By Abel Orukpe / Lagos
The Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) engaged by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to build on the disputed land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos started work on the project on Monday barely 24 hours after the Police dispersed its employees.
The land is the subject of a suit between FAAN and its concessionaire- AIC, which leased it for 50 years to build a world class hotel that would link the international terminal.
The preliminary work by the CCECC, according to FAAN spokesman, Yakubu Dati, is in line with an agreement between the Federal Government and its Chinese counterpart, for the development of five ultra modern international airport terminals in major cities including Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano.
Dati explained that the preliminary work would include soil tests, and site mapping, adding that the project take-off at the Lagos Airport is a follow up to the project that started in Enugu on May 18, 2013.
He said on completion of the new international terminal at the MMIA, it will enhance the chances of the airport becoming the major hub in the West African air transport region.
According to him, "Work has commenced on the project for the construction of a new international terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja with the mobilisation to site today, of the project contractors, Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). Preliminary works on the project, including soil tests and site mapping, were carried out as soon as the contractors mobilised to site"
Nigeria and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of five ultra modern international terminals at the country's major international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano and Port Harcourt, as part of the transformation agenda in the aviation sector.
The Enugu project started first with its foundation laying ceremony by President Jonathan on May 18, 2013, on the same day the remodelled terminal of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu was also commissioned.
Reacting, AIC's General Manager, Chief Niyi Akande, described the invitation of CCECC into the disputed land as a breach of court order, besides violating the lease agreement, adding that FAAN should be held responsible for collusion.
