The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, declined a Federal Government proposal to construct a basic airstrip in the state, opting instead for the development of a full-scale international airport.
Keyamo made the revelation during the official unveiling of two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft acquired by United Nigeria Airlines in Lagos.
According to the minister, the Federal Government had initially budgeted for an airstrip project in Abia State in 2024 as part of efforts to expand aviation infrastructure across the country.
He explained that the proposal was based on his recommendation to President Bola Tinubu, noting that Abia State did not have either an airport or an airstrip at the time.
However, Keyamo said Governor Otti later approached the President with a different proposal, requesting that the project be upgraded into a full international airport under a counterpart funding arrangement.
The minister said Otti assured the Federal Government that the state would contribute funding to ensure a more ambitious aviation project in Umuahia.
Abia Ready For Upgraded Project
According to him, the governor insisted that instead of a basic airstrip, Abia should host a fully developed international airport capable of handling larger operations.
Keyamo quoted Otti as saying the state was ready to partner with the Federal Government financially to achieve the upgraded project, adding that Abia had already committed significant resources to the initiative.
He further noted that the project has since commenced under a joint arrangement between both tiers of government.
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Keyamo also used the occasion to highlight ongoing discussions around the establishment of direct international cargo flights from Guangzhou, China, to Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
He said the plan is aimed at positioning Enugu as a cargo hub for the South-East, particularly to support traders who import goods from China.
According to him, negotiations are ongoing for the first direct cargo flight expected to commence in December, adding that the initiative would ease logistics for businesses in the region, especially those in Onitsha and Aba.
The minister explained that the arrangement would allow traders to consolidate shipments directly from China to Enugu for easier distribution across the South-East.