Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has officially confirmed the state’s collaboration with the Federal Government on two significant infrastructure initiatives: the construction of an airport and the development of the Ariam/Usaka Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road.
The announcement was made during a church service at Christ Embassy along Library Avenue, Bank Road Umuahia, according to Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor.
Governor Otti assured the congregation that work on these projects would commence imminently. He highlighted the forthcoming official announcement of the airport project partnership with the Federal Government, emphasizing its importance alongside the planned road development.
These projects are integral to Abia State Government’s strategy aimed at bolstering economic growth and enhancing connectivity for residents and businesses across the region.
The Abia State Government previously disclosed, in a statement dated May 23, 2024, that the Federal Government had greenlit the construction of an airstrip for Abia State. There are plans in place to elevate this airstrip into a fully-fledged airport through collaboration with federal authorities.
Access Bank has expressed interest in partnering with the state government on the airport project, underscoring private sector involvement in the initiative.
A team from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, accompanied by representatives from various aviation agencies such as FAAN, NIMET, NCAA, and NAMA, has already visited Abia State to inspect the proposed airport site.
Governor Otti, during a visit to the United States earlier this year, revealed that funds amounting to N10 billion, previously allocated by his predecessor for the Abia Airport project, had been subject to an audit conducted by the global firm KPMG. The audit uncovered discrepancies, including the distribution of funds into 32 separate accounts by the contractor involved.
Looking ahead, the state anticipates the completion of a runway and terminal building within the next year, with additional infrastructure to follow, contingent on project timelines and funding allocations.
