Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed how Abia State Governor Alex Otti successfully persuaded President Bola Tinubu to support the construction of an Abia international airport, replacing an earlier Federal Government plan to build only an airstrip in the state. Keyamo also disclosed that discussions were at an advanced stage to launch a direct international cargo route connecting Guangzhou, China, to Enugu, a move expected to boost trade and logistics across the South-East.
Speaking during the unveiling of two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft acquired by United Nigeria Airlines in Lagos, Keyamo explained that the Federal Government had originally included an airstrip project for Abia State in the 2024 budget.
According to him, the proposal emerged after he informed President Tinubu that Abia remained the only state in the South-East without either an airport or an airstrip. Keyamo said the President approved the inclusion of the project as part of efforts to expand aviation infrastructure across the country and improve regional connectivity.
However, the minister disclosed that Governor Otti was not satisfied with the airstrip proposal and instead sought presidential approval for a more ambitious project.
According to Keyamo, Otti approached President Tinubu directly and proposed a counterpart funding arrangement that would transform the project into a full-scale Abia international airport. He said the governor pledged that the state government would contribute significant funding to ensure the project met international standards.
“When we came to power, I told Mr President that Abia had neither an airstrip nor an airport anywhere in the state. He directed that the project be included in the budget, and we captured the Abia airstrip in the 2024 appropriation,” Keyamo said.
He added that Otti later requested federal support for a larger aviation project.
“Governor Otti told the President not to settle for an airstrip. He proposed counterpart funding that would allow the state to develop a full international airport. The project has since taken off, and Abia has contributed more resources than the Federal Government,” he stated.
Beyond the Abia international airport project, Keyamo announced ongoing talks aimed at establishing the first direct cargo flight between Guangzhou and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. He said the Enugu State Government is positioning the airport as a cargo and logistics hub for the South-East region.
According to the minister, the proposed route would provide a direct channel for traders importing goods from China, reducing logistics costs and improving supply chain efficiency. He explained that traders from cities such as Aba and Onitsha would be able to consolidate shipments in Guangzhou and have them transported directly to Enugu before distribution across the region.
Industry stakeholders believe the planned Abia international airport and the proposed Guangzhou-Enugu cargo connection could significantly enhance economic activities in the South-East.
The projects are expected to improve transportation infrastructure, strengthen regional trade links, attract investment and support the growth of commerce and manufacturing across the zone. With construction already underway in Abia and negotiations continuing on the international cargo route, both initiatives represent major steps in the Federal Government’s broader aviation and economic development agenda.
