Work has commenced on the construction of the Abia State International Cargo Airport project sited at Ubahu Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, was on hand to officially kick off the project on Wednesday, December 18.
At the event, Keyamo revealed that President Bola Tinubu approved the upgrade as part of a presidential initiative to ensure no part of the country, particularly the South-east, is excluded from aviation development.
He added that the project is expected to boost economic activities in the region, with a particular focus on industrialisation and trade.
His words:
“The upgrade to an international cargo airport aligns with the president’s vision of fostering inclusive development across Nigeria.
Keyamo stated that it was unacceptable for Abia to remain without an airport, prompting President Tinubu to include the siting of an airstrip for the state in the 2024 budget.
He added that the decision to upgrade the airstrip to an international cargo airport emerged after Governor Alex Otti proposed a partnership between the state and federal governments to transform the project into a full-fledged airport.
The minister stressed:
“Abia’s prominent status as the industrial hub of the South-east makes this project critical for enhancing logistics and trade.”
Also speaking, the Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije, disclosed that 1,325.86 hectares of land had been acquired from nine communities for the airport, with full compensation promised to landowners.
Airlines announce new airfares
Legit reported earlier that Nigerian airlines had announced new airfares for the Christmas and New Year season.
Some traditionally busy routes have seen their fares jump, with some airlines pricing tickets at N314,000 an hour’s flight.
However, Aero Contractors crashed its economy class ticket to N80,000 for a one-hour flight to all destinations.
