A Federal Government team from the Ministry of Aviation recently visited Abia State to inspect a proposed site for a new airport. Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, announced that Access Bank has shown willingness to partner with the state government on this significant project.
The inspection team, led by Dr. Meribeole, aimed to ensure the proposed site meets all regulatory requirements for an airport. Moreover, Meribeole emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering the project swiftly, involving various aviation agencies in the approval process.
These agencies included the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Meribeole acknowledged the visionary leadership of Governor Otti and highlighted that the Abia airport project is included in the 2024 Federal Appropriation Act as an airstrip.
Governor Otti expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the airstrip and including it in the national budget. He noted that although the budget provision might not cover the entire project, it marks an essential first step. Otti also thanked the Minister of Aviation, Barr. Festus Kyamo, for his efforts in making the project a reality.
Otti explained the state government’s intention to upscale the airstrip to a full-fledged airport, emphasizing the importance of the location and the size of the runway. Moreover, he assured the Federal Government team of the state’s readiness to expedite the project, noting the urgency felt by the people of Abia, one of the two Nigerian states without an airport.
The Governor emphasized selecting suitable land and mentioned the state had begun engaging landowners to secure the necessary space. Furthermore, he assured that the state government is leading the project, reflecting the community’s eagerness to see the airport completed promptly.
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