A Former Lawmaker in the Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Mr Sam Onuigbo said the construction of an airport in Abia State will significantly accelerate the transformation of the region into major economic centers for commerce and industry.
Onuigbo, who is also the Chairman of the Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions Committee of the NEDC, stated this in a press statement in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
The Former 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.
“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 recognises 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.” he said.
Commendable efforts
He further stressed that President Bola Tinubu has made commendable efforts to the development of the South Eastern region.
“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,” he stated.
Federal attention
Mr Onuigbo also highlighted that the Southeast has not previously received the kind of Federal attention that President Tinubu’s administration is currently providing.
Mr Onuigbo, also noted that the collaboration between the Federal Government and Abia State will ensure the airport becomes a win-win project for the Southeast.
He commended Governor Alex Otti wisdom in collaborating with the Federal Government to upgrade the project from an airstrip originally proposed by the government 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.
The government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abia International Airport on Tuesday, December 17th 2024.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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