Zaria: The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria has announced that its ongoing runway expansion project, which is nearing completion, is set to offer a vital solution for airlines looking for alternatives to the congested Kaduna Airport. Dr. Danjuma Ismail, Rector of NCAT, shared these developments with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria, highlighting that the institution may soon be equipped to accommodate an increased volume of air traffic, including larger and commercial aircraft.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Ismail revealed that the college had identified opportunities to attract significant commercial traffic. He noted that the Kaduna Airport is currently struggling to manage traffic, particularly in the afternoons and evenings, due to security concerns in the area. This has led some airlines to seek alternative options, and NCAT aims to fulfill this need once the runway expansion is completed.
Dr. Ismail further explained that the first phase of the runway expansion contract, awarded approximately five years ago, is underway and expected to be completed by the end of the year. Following this, the college plans to initiate the procurement process for the project's second phase. However, he mentioned that the second phase is still in its preliminary stages, with some legal challenges arising from claims over the ownership of the land designated for the runway construction.
NAN recalls that the current runway, measuring 1.6 kilometers, was originally designed to accommodate training exercises and smaller aircraft. In addition to the runway project, Dr. Ismail discussed plans to convert the recently acquired Zaria Hotel into a four-star establishment to provide accommodation for students and the public. This initiative aims to offer more comfortable lodging options, particularly for international pilot students who find the existing college hostels inadequate.
The hotel, purchased for N1.313 billion from the Africa Continental Hotel in June 2023, is also earmarked for conversion into classrooms and hostels for NCAT, as stated by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. He emphasized that this acquisition is part of a broader effort to expand NCAT's capacity and improve its training facilities, offering enhanced learning and accommodation options for students.