A former member of the House of Representatives, Samuel Ifeanyi Onuigbo, has stated that the construction of an airport in Abia State would significantly accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s hinterlands into major economic centers for commerce and industry.
DAILY POST reports that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abia International Airport on Tuesday.
Onuigbo, who is also the Chairman of the Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions Committee of the NEDC, highlighted that the Southeast has not previously received the kind of federal attention that President Tinubu’s administration is currently providing.
The former federal lawmaker noted that the site selected by the Abia State Government, and approved by the Federal Government, for the airport project at Nsulu—bordering Isiala Ngwa and Umuahia—is a testament to strategic planning.
In a statement, he said: “This is about the first time in recent history that the Federal Government is seriously discussing the development of a new airport. It is clear that the President Tinubu administration recognizes the economic potential of the Southeast zone.
“As Governor Otti rightly pointed out, the funds needed for the immediate commencement of the airport are well captured in this year’s budget.
“Rather than neglecting the region like previous governments, the Tinubu-led Federal Government has decided to leverage the entrepreneurial capabilities of the Southeast to expand the circle of economic prosperity in the country, thereby renewing hope for a greater and better Nigeria.
“With these commendable efforts, President Tinubu has undoubtedly earned the approval of the people of the Southeast.”
Onuigbo, who represented the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, emphasized that the collaboration between the Federal Government and Abia State will ensure the airport becomes a win-win project for the Southeast.
“I am elated that Governor Alex Otti saw the wisdom in collaborating with the Federal Government to upgrade the project from an airstrip originally proposed by the FG to a full-fledged airport.
“Even without contributing financially to the construction of the airport, Abia State stands to gain immensely from the multiplier effects of the project. The anticipated boost the airport will provide to made-in-Aba products will deliver substantial returns on investment,” Onuigbo noted.
Abia Airport: Tinubu refused to neglect South East like previous governments – Ex-Rep Onuigbo