By Aliyu DANLADI
Gridlock has persisted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following the ongoing construction of the new terminal building and its attendant infrastructure such as car park and access road.
The construction work has led to difficulty in accessing car parks.
A visit to the airport on Tuesday, travelers that were rushing to catch 11a.m flights were seen rolling their luggage while tracking through the busy road.
General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, , said the work being done by the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) included the new terminal, the car park and access road.
Yakubu said the works were nearing completion and at various stages to ensure the comfort of all airport users and travelers was guaranteed.
According to her, government is determined to make sure that all facilities are provided before the terminal is opened for operation.
“The Chinese firm is handling the projects including the terminal, car park and access road.
“It is all encompassing so that when the new terminal will be opened, all of these facilities will be on ground,” she said.
An airport official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told NAN that the traffic jam was occasional, adding that it occurred only when many flights were being processed.
The official said that the gridlock usually occur early in the morning, mid-day and evening periods.
He said that the construction company was doing its best to complete the work as soon as possible, adding that the terminal could be ready for operation before December.
A traveler, Mr Haruna Adokwe, said that alternative access road could have been provided before the commencement of the work to avoid the current hardship being faced by airport users.
Adokwe, however, commended the Federal Government for its commitment to having a befitting airport.
He called for more government commitment to developing a world class airport infrastructure in line with international standards across the country.
