Abia’s Ambitious Airport Project: The Gateway To Economic Transformation?

Abia State is poised for a significant economic boost with the ambitious construction of a new international airport.  This project is more than just a transport hub; it is a strategic investment intended to unlock the state’s enormous potential and serve as a catalyst for transformative growth in a variety of sectors.  This ambitious project promises to connect Abia to the global market, attract foreign investment, boost tourism, and ultimately improve the state’s socioeconomic standing, ushering in a new era of prosperity.  ROLAND OGBONNAYA delves into the details of this historic project, examining its scope, impact, and transformative potential for Abia State.

On Tuesday, the construction of the proposed Abia State Airport began with an upbeat and celebratory ceremony. Landowners protested during the flag-off. Dr. Alex Otti, the State Governor, and Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, broke ground for a new international airport in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.

This ambitious project, a joint effort by the state and federal governments, appears to have the potential to transform Abia’s transport infrastructure while also driving significant economic growth.

The event, held at the Community School in Ubaha Nsulu, drew a large crowd of government officials, community leaders, and private sector representatives, with Otti emphasising the project’s significance as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to sustainable development through strategic partnerships.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving not only an initial airstrip plan but also a full-fledged international airport, emphasising the president’s dedication to the development of the South East region.

Governor Otti’s vision extends beyond just the airport. He outlined plans for the development of a “airport city,” which will include revitalising the Nsulu Games Village as well as building hotels and other supporting infrastructure to accommodate the expected influx of tourists and business travellers.

This ambitious plan, he explained, aims to transform Nsulu into a major economic hub, boosting growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors. He also addressed concerns about the project’s timing, emphasising its significance to Abia’s long-term viability and ability to attract significant investment and high-net-worth individuals.

He emphasised the airport’s potential to elevate Aba’s status as a key destination in the West African sub-region, accelerating urbanisation beyond Aba and Umuahia, while also acknowledging the critical role of land-donating communities – Ubaha, Umuala, Ikputu, Umuosu, Umuezeukwu, Umuode, and Umuomainta – in ensuring adequate compensation for their land. He emphasised the administration’s commitment to conducting fair and compassionate interactions with the affected communities.  The 1,325-hectare project is scheduled to be completed in 36 months.
Minister Keyamo praised Governor Otti’s visionary leadership as well as the state and federal governments’ collaborative spirit, highlighting the airport’s potential to establish Abia as a major economic hub in the southeast and emphasising the region’s industrial heartland status. He also promised the host community priority employment opportunities during the airport’s construction and operation.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, assured the project of the National Assembly’s full support, ensuring adequate budgetary allocation, while the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, thanked President Tinubu for selecting Abia for this project and announced an upcoming federal youth employment initiative set to begin in January.

Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, a lawmaker representing the Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituencies, and Chief Ncheta Omerekpe, a businessman, politician, and philanthropist, urged community participation to ensure the project’s success.

“To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, We, the people of Abia State, are deeply grateful for the incredible project you have brought to our doorstep: the Abia Airport in Nsulu. Your leadership and commitment to our state’s development are truly admirable.”
Previously, there were concerns and questions about the airport’s financial viability. However, experts believe that the economic viability of Nigerian state airports varies greatly. Some airports are self-sufficient and profitable, while others struggle to meet operating costs. They also identified some of the factors that contribute to this variation, including infrastructure and facilities. They believe that airports with modern facilities, adequate runways, and efficient handling systems will attract more airlines and passengers, resulting in higher revenue and profits.
Projects located in major commercial and industrial hubs with convenient road and rail access are more likely to be economically viable.

“Strong partnerships with airlines can assist the state governor in increasing revenue for the airport. Airlines may, however, avoid underperforming airports due to inadequate infrastructure, poor service quality, or high landing fees, resulting in a decrease in passenger traffic and revenue.
“Government funding and investment in airport infrastructure and maintenance are essential for ensuring long-term economic viability.” A lack of government support can result in deteriorating facilities and insufficient resources to attract and retain airlines, reducing the airport’s financial performance.
“Effective management, including cost control, revenue optimisation, and customer service, plays an important role in maximising an airport’s revenue and profitability, while the presence of competing airports nearby can have an impact on an airport’s economic viability,” Ejikeme Ohanyere, an aviation consultant, told Saturday INDEPENDENT earlier this week. He explained that in some cases, airlines may prefer more efficient and well-maintained airports, resulting in lower passenger traffic and revenue for less competitive airports.
He believes that high security standards are necessary to attract airlines and passengers. However, inadequate security measures can harm the airport’s reputation, resulting in lower traffic and revenue.
Overall, Ohanyere stated that the economic viability of Nigeria’s state airports is determined by a number of factors, and that addressing these challenges would aid in improving their financial performance and contributing to the growth of the Nigerian aviation sector.

Nsulu communities, the landowners who had rejected and protested the airport’s proposed location, have consistently and strongly opposed the government’s choice of site, claiming that it will result in the displacement and possible extinction of several agrarian communities, as well as the seizure of ancestral lands.

While the Abia State Government announced the groundbreaking ceremony on December 17th, the communities maintained their strong opposition. Their concerns, expressed by community leaders such as Engineer Ikechukwu Uche of Umuezeukwu, revolve around a perceived lack of consultation and the devastating effect on their livelihoods.
“We are not against the airport,” Uche stated, “but the government’s insistence on this location is unacceptable.”  This land provides for our livelihood.  To build here means seizing our ancestral farmlands, displacing us, and effectively driving us extinct.

“All agricultural communities, including Umuezeukwu, Umuala, Umuezenta, Ikputu, Ubaha, and Umuosu, will be eradicated.” The communities are outraged by what they perceive as the government’s unilateral decision-making.  They claim that, despite the project’s large land area requirements, no meaningful consultation with the affected communities has taken place.
“They came, mapped, surveyed, damaged our crops, and left without engaging in a serious conversation or negotiation,” Uche explained. The sheer scale of land appropriation raises concerns about the true nature of this project: is it an airport or simply a land-grabbing exercise?”
The communities’ concerns are exacerbated by the government’s announcement of the project’s start date before key details such as the airport model, required land area, estimated cost and duration, and environmental impact assessment report are made public.
The lack of transparency, combined with what they perceive as intimidation tactics, has fuelled their protests.  “No compensation will ever be sufficient to mitigate the collateral damage,” Uche said. They urged Keyamo to step in and halt construction at the proposed site, refusing to support what they saw as an illegal and coercive land acquisition.
They are requesting that the government reconsider the location, citing a previously mapped-out site proposed by the previous administration that the current government has consistently ignored.
In an attempt to correct some misconceptions and claims about extensive community engagement, the governor’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, stated that such concerns were addressed and widespread support was secured. He reassured landowners that they would receive adequate compensation and that their livelihoods would be preserved, citing a partnership with the Federal Government signed in July 2024, as well as significant private sector participation from Access Bank, as evidence of the project’s viability and state economic benefits.
A federal government delegation, including representatives from FAAN, NIMET, NCAA, and NAMA, paid a visit to the proposed location.
The stark contrast between the government’s assurances and the communities’ desperate plea reveals a major gap. This escalating conflict overshadowed the groundbreaking ceremony on December 17th, casting doubt on the project’s smooth start and raising serious questions about the government’s approach to community engagement and land acquisition. The next few days will be critical in determining whether a deal can be reached or if the Abia Airport project becomes yet another battleground in the fight for land and livelihoods.

Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, Commissioner of Transport, and Mr. Chaka Chukwumereije, Commissioner of Lands and Housing, described the airport as a “gateway to the world” and a powerful driver of economic growth.
According to officials, the groundbreaking ceremony is an important step towards making Abia State a major regional hub.  The airport project, which is a key component of the administration’s overall urbanisation strategy, demonstrates a strong commitment to economic transformation and global connectivity.
As the first shovels hit the ground, the message was clear: a new Abia is emerging, eager to embrace progress and soar to new heights.
*Adapted from independent.ng