Ebonyi State Governor Justifies N13.7 Billion Airport Rehabilitation Cost
In a recent media interaction coinciding with Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day and the 27th anniversary of Ebonyi State’s creation, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State defended the allocation of N13.7 billion for the rehabilitation of Senator Chuba Okadigbo Airport in Onueke.
This justification comes despite the airport’s recent inauguration.
Governor Nwifuru underscored the importance of optimizing the airport’s capacity, given the substantial financial investment made in its construction. He challenged Ebonyi citizens to question the substantial rehabilitation cost, emphasizing transparency in the matter.
The Governor also acknowledged a critical issue with the airport’s runway, stating that it lacked the necessary smoothness for safe aircraft landings. He shared an exchange he had with a fellow governor who raised similar concerns about the airport’s runway. Despite noble intentions during its inception, the subpar runway condition led to difficulties for numerous planes and discouraged them from landing at the facility. Despite efforts to address the issue by closing expansion joints, the problem persisted.
To tackle the runway problem comprehensively, the state government sought guidance from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, which provided a detailed plan for the airport’s rehabilitation. Governor Nwifuru attributed the significant project cost to its inherent complexities and reiterated the government’s commitment to selecting the best contractors to ensure successful completion.
The background of this situation dates back to April 2023 when the Ebonyi State government, under the leadership of former Governor Dave Umahi, commissioned the N36 billion Airport in Onueke. This project had the support of the federal government, with former President Buhari approving an initial sum of N10 billion for its commencement.