₦airaland Forum

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the newly flagged-off Abia International Airport will position Abia State as a commercial and industrial hub of the South-East region, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cBXvzyed8o

The minister made this known on Tuesday during the flag-off ceremony of the airport project at Nsulu, Abia State.

The Abia International Airport, an upgrade of an existing airstrip, is a collaborative effort between the federal government and the Abia State government. While the federal government initiated the project, the state government is contributing to the development through runway upgrades.

Keyamo explained that the airport was part of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to foster infrastructural development in the South-East. Recounting his discussions with the president, Keyamo said, “When I was briefing the president about the aviation sector, he asked me why Abia does not have at least an airstrip. He emphasized that no part of the country should be left behind, and in the South-East, it was only Abia State that lacked an operational landing facility.”

The minister further revealed that President Tinubu was deeply impressed with Governor Alex Otti’s leadership and commitment to the state’s development. According to him, Governor Otti’s proactive stance led to the decision to upgrade the airstrip into an international airport.

“When I broke the news to Dr. Alex Otti about the federal government’s plans for an airstrip, he said, ‘No, I will partner with you; I will put in counterpart funding and let us upgrade it to an international airport.’ This collaboration gave birth to this transformative project,” Keyamo stated.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the airport, Keyamo described Abia State as the “heart of industrialisation of the South-East” and emphasized its role as a future cargo and passenger airport. He pointed out that many of Nigeria’s renowned products originate from Abia State, adding that the new facility would facilitate the direct export of goods produced in the region.

“There is no reason we cannot manufacture and process goods here and export directly from Abia instead of taking them elsewhere for logistics purposes,” Keyamo said.

Addressing critics who question the viability of new airports, the minister underscored that airports are enablers of economic growth and social infrastructure. “What comes first— the chicken or the egg? It is the airports that generate economic activity. An airport in Abia State will unlock the state’s full economic potential as an industrial hub,” he explained.

Keyamo also stressed the critical role airports play in ensuring accessibility across the country, particularly during emergencies such as natural disasters.

“It was not good that Abia had been cut off from the aviation ecosystem of this country. An airport is not just an economic asset but a social necessity,” he concluded.

paramakina202:
For all those who were saying Abia does not need an airport we can only tell una say ABIA AIRPORT NO BE UNA MATE O.
Abia international airport is here it have come to stay.

JagabanBorgu:
Modified:
I just realized I mistook the moniker for another.
Or this is the Obident moniker?

JagabanBorgu:
Modified:
I just realized I mistook the moniker for another.
Or this is the Obident moniker?

SadiqBabaSani:
This Aviation man that forget his Delta State where he came from. Minister that is not even promoting his party in Delta State. The only guy making wave is Sen. Joel Onowakpo

Tobokongs:
Tinubu has done for them what Ojukwu could not do but once they hate you, they hate you even if you are doing good to them.

Keyamo has rightly said the airport will unlock their potentials but let's pray all flights from that airport will not banned worldwide.

The coming days will be so interesting worldwide especially in Asia


We pray ibos appreciate this good gesture. They are not appreciative



BTW, what is the current status of this carnivorous animál below? Is he crying now?

Franking:
Story. Are there no other airports in the South East? Have they unlocked anything?

paramakina202:
Does Obidients have special monikers?
I am just supporting new airport project in my state.
And who did you mistaken me for?

OlujobaSamuel:
Almost all states are now having an international airport, whereas, the longest flight distance between any two cities isn't more than 2hrs.

SadiqBabaSani:
This Aviation man that forget his Delta State where he came from. Minister that is not even promoting his party in Delta State. The only guy making wave is Sen. Joel Onowakpo

Ofodirinwa:
because you prefer treking doesn't mean others can't enjoy their 15 min flight

OlujobaSamuel:
I prefer making life comfortable for majority that can't afford flight by making the roads to the market and farms motorable with adequate security that won't waylaid them in the name of checkpoint collecting bribes, but it's not everyone that is sensible enough to understand fiscal responsibility.

yarimo:
Hope seeit won't unlock more fake products