Civil Society Coalition Expresses Alarm Over Suspected Relocation Plans for Katsina Airport Project
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has sounded the alarm over alleged plans by the Federal Government of Nigeria to relocate a crucial project at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport (UMYIA) Katsina to another region.
The move has ignited controversy, with Mr Bishir Dauda, the National Secretary of Voice of the Masses, condemning it as an “unfortunate, deliberate, malicious, and subversive attempt” by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo.
In a press conference held in Katsina on Sunday, Dauda expressed the CSOs’ dismay, dismissing the decision as baseless and preposterous. The project in question, awarded to Avsatel Communication Limited on Dec 7, 2022, aimed to refurbish Airport Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles (ARFF) at UMYIA in Katsina.
Dauda emphasized the economic benefits of the project, pointing out that it was initiated during the last administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
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The coalition called on Governor Dikko Radda, Katsina elders, and all patriotic citizens of Katsina to reject the decision, urging them to convey their dissatisfaction to the president.
They hope that “the president, as a listening leader, will do the needful by reversing the subversive action of his minister.” The CSOs believe that the president should either direct the contractor to expedite the project or revoke the contract and re-award it to a capable firm.
Muhammad Danjuma-Katsina, the convener of the CSOs, expressed concern about the apparent deviation from the promise to complete projects initiated by the predecessor, stating, “The minister and the contractors seem to have a different agenda.”
The protesting CSOs include the Katsina Youth Enlightenment Crusade for Peace and Development, the Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiative, the Voice of the Masses, and the National Council of Women Society.
It was reported that AVSATEL Communication Ltd, the contractor handling the project, proposed the relocation in a memo to the minister dated Dec. 4, 2023. The letter, signed by Mr George Eder, the Managing Director of the company, cited logistical reasons for the move, suggesting Abuja or any Southern part of the country for the project’s promising future.
Eder stated, “We believe that relocating the project to the South or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) offers a promising future. We are prepared to address any questions and appreciate your consideration of this proposal.”
