Governor Alex Otti has officially flagged off the Abia Airport Project, emphasizing its role in economic growth, investment, and urban transformation. The historic project, in partnership with the federal government, is a gateway to greater prosperity for Abia State.
In a historic move to accelerate Abia State’s development, Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, flagged off the much-anticipated Abia Airport Project on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the Ubaha Community School in Nsulu. The project, which is being executed in partnership with the Federal Government, is set to become a transformative infrastructure milestone for the state.
Addressing stakeholders, dignitaries, and residents, Governor Otti emphasized that the Abia Airport is not just a transport hub but a cornerstone of the state’s economic and urbanization agenda. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN, for their pivotal roles in ensuring the project’s approval and expansion beyond the original scope of an airstrip to a full-fledged airport.
Governor Otti described the airport as a vital element of his administration’s broader vision to position Abia as a major hub for commerce, tourism, and healthcare. “This airport will accelerate urban development, attract global investments, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for our people. It is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a statement of our readiness to rise to a higher plane of progress,” he declared.
The governor elaborated on the airport’s importance, stating that it would complement critical projects like the restoration of Enyimba Hotel into a 250-room 5-star facility, the proposed Abia Medical City, and the ongoing urban transformation in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia. “The airport will serve as a gateway for investors, medical tourists, and visitors, seamlessly connecting Abia to the rest of the world,” he added.
Highlighting Abia’s collaboration with the federal government, Otti revealed that the initial plan for an airstrip was captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act. However, his administration seized the opportunity to propose an upgrade to a full-fledged airport by expanding the runway’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft. The Type 4D runway, which will initially span 2.8 kilometers, is designed with provisions for future upgrades to a 3.6-kilometer Type 4E runway.
The governor commended the people of Ubaha and surrounding communities for their support and willingness to release land for the project. He assured landowners of reasonable compensation and reiterated that the airport would create tangible benefits, including employment opportunities, increased property value, and entrepreneurial prospects.
Otti also addressed criticisms surrounding the project’s timing and priority, affirming that the airport aligns with Abia’s long-term growth aspirations. “To those questioning the importance of this project, let me emphasize that in the New Abia, an airport is a strategic necessity, not a luxury. It is the fastest, safest, and most efficient mode of transport, vital for attracting investments and advancing our economy,” he clarified.
In his closing remarks, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to key contributors, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, and Air Marshal HB Abubakar, for approving an air force base to complement the project. He urged residents to rally behind the Abia Airport project, stressing that it is a collective endeavor that promises to elevate Abia to new heights of prosperity.
