Minister Festus Keyamo revealed the Aviation Ministry’s ambitious plan to harness solar energy to power the country’s international airports.
Keyamo explained that the initiative aims to replace the current diesel-powered lighting system at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, which costs the Federal Government a substantial N1 billion monthly.
In addition to the proposal, he confirmed the ongoing suspension of the controversial Air Nigeria project, initially introduced by former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.
The Minister also hinted at forthcoming projects, including comprehensive airport master plan revisions and a potential reassessment of concession agreements for four airports.
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Keyamo justified the decision to halt the Air Nigeria project, stating that it did not align with the country’s best interests or serve the needs of its citizens.
He said:
“We are making conscious and gradual efforts towards embracing eco-friendly practices which is what the world is about now. Eco-friendly practices and green technologies in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard on the long-term global aspiration goal of net-zero emissions in the aviation sector is what we are targeting.
“Lagos airport alone, I am told we do N1billion monthly on electricity and I said why? I am still trying to crack that. The first thing I told them to do is to bypass the DisCos and go to the GenCos because we are eligible users. So, why do we pay Disco that will add its own profit? So, we want to cut them off and go to the GenCos straight. We are doing that and those concerned are protesting and trying to meet Mr. President.
“By bypassing, we are saving 30 percent, so if we are supposed to pay N1billion, we will pay N700million in terms of consumption because unlike some other airports that we shut down by 6 pm, Lagos and Abuja airports are run 24 hours. All the international airports must run for 24 hours because of flights coming in internationally.”
