ABIA STATE STARTS DEVELOPMENT OF A FIRST NEW AIRPORT .
Yesterday, we gathered in Ubaha Nsulu for the historic groundbreaking ceremony of the Abia Airport project. It was an honour to have the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), perform this significant function.
We extend our profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for approving the initial airstrip plan and consenting to its expansion into a full-fledged airport. I also thank Mr. Keyamo for his unwavering support and diligence in bringing this project to life.
Special appreciation goes to our own Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, and his colleagues for their legislative backing, ensuring that the project was captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
Additionally, I thank the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal H.B. Abubakar, for his consistent support and for approving the establishment of an Air Force base at the airport.
We recognize the public discourse and criticisms surrounding the project’s priority and appreciate the engagement of the good people of Abia. Constructive criticism and dialogue are vital to our collective progress, and our government remains open to such discussions.
The decision to partner with the Federal Government in building this airport is a strategic investment in the state’s long-term prosperity. It aligns with our vision to connect Abia to the world. The logic was straightforward: if we could secure an airstrip, why not seize the opportunity to develop a full-fledged airport?
This project will not only enhance urbanization beyond Aba and Umuahia but also complement ongoing infrastructure developments, such as the Enyimba Hotel upgrade to a five-star facility, the Nsulu Games Village, and the Medical City project, among other signature initiatives.
I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the good people of Nsulu for donating their land for this transformative project. We are committed to preparing fair compensation for genuine landowners, ensuring that no one is short-changed.
