Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, Tuesday, flagged off the construction of Abia Airport at Ubaha, Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
Speaking at the glamorous ceremony attended by many dignitaries from Abia, Keyamo said that the project would help boost socio-economic development in the state.
He commended Gov. Alex Otti for keeping into the project, explaining that initially, the Federal Government had intended to build an airstrip but the State Government promised to partner the centre to upgrade it to an international cargo airport.
Keyamo said the airport “is a presidential Initiative,” adding that President Bola Tinubu instructed that no part of the country, particularly the South-East, should be left out of aviation development.
The Minister who highlighted the economic importance of Abia in the industrial ecosystem of the country, said the airport would further make Abia a more vibrant state.
He described Abia as the industrial hub of the South-East, which produces “many made in Nigeria” goods.
According to him, siting a cargo airport in Abia State will allow goods to be processed and exported directly from the state.
Keyamo said that the airport would “primarily focus on cargo operations to support industrialisation and trade in Abia and the South-East geopolitical Zone.”
He further described the airport as “an enabler that generates economic activities, and its construction should not be dependent on existing commercial demand.”
“The airports play a key role in enhancing connectivity and response to emergencies and Abia being excluded from the aviation ecosystem is unacceptable,” Keyamo added.
He commended the host community for making available their land for the project.
The Minister directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to prioritise employment for youths from the donor community to give them a sense of belonging.
Keyamo who assured on timely completion of the project, said that funds had been allocated in the 2024 Budget to commence clearing and development.
He further said the initiative underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable distribution of projects, regional economic integration, and industrial growth in Abia.
Keyamo restated Federal Government’s commitment to the development of every part of the country.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State said that the airport would accelerate the socioeconomic development of the state.
He declared the readiness of his administration to fully support the project which, according to him, will help fast track development.
Otti announced that the State Government had commenced preparation for payment of compensation to genuine land owners.
The Governor who announced that the project would be completed in 36 months, thanked the various stakeholders who contributed in making the project a reality.
In a remark, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Kalu, thanked President Tinubu and the Governor for the partnership and the initiative.
“Abia is blessed with a governor that understands the importance of synergistic partnership,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker promised to ensure that any fund appropriated for the project would be expeditiously approved by the National Assembly.
He said: “The people with me here are members of House of Representatives from different parts of the country.
“We are promising Abians that when the budget comes we will look out for the budget that is going to benefit Abia and we will approve it,” he said.
Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, also expressed happiness over the project which, according to him, will help boost trade and commerce in Abia.
Senator Wabara who expressed delight that an airport would be sited in Abia in his lifetime, commended the wisdom in upgrading the airstrip initially proposed, to a standard cargo airport where Boing 737 could land.
Speaking also, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, expressed the determination of the President to deliver the dividend of democracy to the citizens.
She said the project would help launch Abia into the comity of booming states.
In a remark, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, thanked President Tinubu for the project, which he said would help fast track development in his constituency.
Onwusibe said that project would contribute greatly to the achievement of critical infrastructural development in the area.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, described the project as a foundation for the future of economic growth and progress in the state.
Ukaegbu said that the vision of the airport “aligns with the government’s commitment to position Abia as a key economic hub in Nigeria and beyond.”
Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, said that 1,325.86 hectares of land had been acquired from nine communities for the project.
