Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has approved the payment of compensation to owners of land taken for the expansion of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Radda disclosed this during a visit to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr Emmanuel Meribole on Friday in Abuja.
A statement by Radda’s Chief Press Secretary Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, quoted the governor thanking the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace for locating the project in his state.
The statement said Radda described the project as a dream come true for those yearning this landmark achievement.
According to the statement, the governor has already ordered the release of fund for the payment of compensation to the land owners with immediate effect so that the project can take off.
“Likewise, he expressed his profound gratitude and unalloyed appreciation to the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari; and former Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika for their support towards the desired objective of upgrading the Umaru Musa Yaradua Airport to International Standard,” the state said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, congratulated Radda for winning the governorship election of March 18 2023, and commended the quick policy directive carried out by the Governor aimed at compensating the affected people for the project to kick off.
The previous administration of Aminu Bello Masari allocated the land for the expansion of the Yar’adua International Airport.
The multi-billion naira project, which has about four departments, consisting of the fire truck maintenance, terminal building, cargo centre and pavement would be completed in 12 months. If completed, the project would create about 1,500 jobs for the residents of the state.
