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The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an Airport in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State has finally come and gone despite uncertainties that shrouded the exercise ab initio especially the opposition from the 8 Communities of Umunna Nsulu.
While many questioned the State Government’s decision to prioritize the Abia Airport and relegate to the background, other needs of the State, others opined that the importance of Abia State having an Airport like some States in the federation, will unlock the economic potentials of the State especially considering that a whole lot of economic activities go on in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the State and other cities.
As stated during the groundbreaking of the Airport done on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, Governor Alex Otti, reiterated his administration’s vision to extend development beyond the cities of Aba and Umuahia.
He said that Abia State’s economy would reap bountifully once the project is completed, with more business opportunities created and more youths gainfully employed.
In addition to assuring the indigenes of the host communities whose lands are to be used that they would receive compensation, the Governor also promised that the Nsulu Games Village would be revived.
It is not however, a fluke that the Airport project when completed will position Abia state as a hub for commerce, tourism, and industrial growth. Stories abound regarding the influx of Tourists, investors among others who visit neighbouring Imo, Akwa Ibom, Lagos among others to see things for themselves courtesy of the existence of an Airport that makes their journeys easy.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the Abia Airport when completed, will enhance connectivity. This is so because the Airport will bridge Abia State to major cities across Nigeria and the world, thereby enhancing greater ease in transportation for business travelers, investors, and tourists.
It is also expected that this interconnectedness, will be germane in integrating the state into national and global economic networks further facilitated by the Governor of the State with his array of global contacts and connections.
Indeed, a whole lot of economic activities take place in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the State, hence, it is therefore expected that the Airport, on completion, should support Local Industries in the State considering that Aba and other cities are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, particularly in manufacturing and trade.
Suffice it to say that the Airport project will guarantee the seamless movement of goods and services, reducing logistics costs as well as leading to the opening up of new markets for locally produced products in the State.
It is also imperative to note, that the Airport project is coming to Abia when there has been much talk for the country to diversify her economy and rely less on oil. Going by this, it is predicted that the project when completed, will lead to the development of the tourism sector including improving air transport.
With the existence of the Airport, Abia State, God’s Own State, can attract more tourists to its rich cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route, Azumini Blue River, the Ojukwu Bunker, the National War Museum in Umuahia. Definitely, these sightseeing areas aside boosting the tourism revenue of the State, will also promote the rich heritage of the people of Abia State.
Again, as was stated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo, the people of these communities who provided lands for the Airport project would be given priority in the first appointments and employment at the airport.
Arguing in line of the above, when work finally commences at the site, there will be creation of employment opportunities among people of the area. During the construction proper and subsequent operation of the Airport , able bodied youths can be absorbed to work, ranging from construction workers and engineers to airport personnel and ancillary service providers. Indeed, this will no doubt reduce unemployment in the state.
Corroborating the submission by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo, that Abia is the heartbeat of South-East industrialisation, the Airport on completion will raise and position the State and region in the eyes of investors. It is expected that businesses that require quick access to transportation and logistics are more likely to establish operations in Abia State, leading to increased foreign and domestic investments.
What about the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State? There is no gainsaying the obvious that the airport will contribute to the state’s IGR through taxes, fees, and other revenue windows associated with aviation and its related services.
*Reactions from people*
Ezebuiro Eze, from Umuode Nsulu one of the 8 communities that donated lands for the Airport project, commended the Federal and the Abia State Governments for the project.
He said in spite of the fact that his 3 portions of land and that of his family is in the proposed site, he is not bothered, stressing that he is also happy that he has portions of farm land in the proposed Airport project site.
He, however, appealed to the state government to endeavor to pay due compensation to the people whose 1,350 hectares of land will be taken l for this project.
Eze also urged that Ndi Nsulu be considered first by FAAN for employment as promised by the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo SAN.
Also speaking, Chiagoziem Enoch who hails from Umuchima, in Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia State, christened the Airport project a remarkable developmental project, capable of creating jobs for the teeming youth from the area and announcing and placing Nsulu to the world.
He called for due compensation to the land donors, stressing that it is the only way they can support the project till completion.
Abia State, no doubt is about to witness significant socio-economic benefits with the groundbreaking of the Airport project at Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA of the State. Expectations are indeed high from host communities, traders, investors among others.
As the coast is clear for real work to commence at the airport site, it is also imperative to state that with effective planning and execution, the airport when completed, has the potentials of unlocking the full economic identity of Abia state.
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