Keyamo Reveals Main Reason President Tinubu Approved Construction of International Airport in Aba

DDM News

Minister Keyamo Announces New International Airport in Abia State as Part of Tinubu’s South East Development Agend

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed to Diaspora Digital Media DDM that the planned international airport in Abia State is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to promote development in the South East.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Abia International Airport in Nsulu, Abia State, on Tuesday, Keyamo emphasized that the new airport will serve as a major catalyst for transforming the state into a commercial hub for the region.

Keyamo highlighted President Tinubu’s deep commitment to ensuring that no region of Nigeria is left behind in terms of development.

He cited the president’s determination to address infrastructural gaps in the South East, pointing out that Abia was the only state in the region without a functional airport.

“President Tinubu has made it clear that he doesn’t want any part of Nigeria to be marginalized.

When I briefed him on the state of the aviation sector, he immediately raised the issue of Abia’s lack of an airstrip and asked why the state had no airport,” Keyamo said.

The Minister recounted that the President was particularly concerned about Abia’s situation, noting that, despite its industrial significance, the state had no airport to support its economic activities.

Following these discussions, the decision was made to include the development of an airport in Abia in the 2024 federal budget.

“This was after I briefed the President about the aviation sector.

He said, ‘Why doesn’t Abia have at least an airstrip?’

He stressed that we should ensure the 2024 budget includes provisions for an airstrip in Abia,” Keyamo explained.

The Abia International Airport project is largely a federal government initiative, with the state government contributing to upgrades, particularly to the runway.

The airport, initially an airstrip, will be transformed into a full-fledged international airport.

Keyamo praised the significant role played by Governor Alex Otti of Abia in the project’s development.

“When I informed Governor Alex Otti about the airstrip, he immediately rejected the idea and proposed upgrading it to an international airport.

He also committed to partnering with the federal government and providing counterpart funding for the project,” Keyamo said, commending the Governor’s proactive involvement.

The Minister also underscored Abia’s strategic importance to the South East, noting that the state is the heart of the region’s industrialization.

“It doesn’t make sense for the heart of industrialization in the South East to lack an airport.

This airport will not just be for passengers; there are already plans to make it a cargo airport as well.

This will significantly boost the economy of Abia and the entire South East region,” Keyamo added.

With the construction of the new international airport, Abia State is set to receive a critical infrastructure boost that will enhance its commercial and industrial potential, improve connectivity, and contribute to the overall development of the South East region.

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