Abia State Set to Begin Airport Construction: Strategic Growth or Copycat Project?

The Abia State Government has announced the commencement of its much-anticipated airport construction project, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for December 17. While the project has received approval from several residents in the communities earmarked for the airport, others have raised concerns over its necessity and long-term sustainability. The state government, however, assures the public that these concerns have been addressed, emphasizing the airport’s potential to spur economic growth and development in Abia State.

This development recalls a familiar pattern in Nigeria’s infrastructural landscape, where many states embark on large-scale projects without adequately assessing feasibility or long-term operational plans. The history of airport projects in the country highlights a significant challenge: ensuring that these facilities align with actual traffic demands and are supported by sufficient airline operations and connectivity. Many existing airports across Nigeria struggle with underutilization, high maintenance costs, and limited flight activity due to an insufficient number of airlines and aircraft.

Reflecting on this trend, parallels can be drawn with the era when state governors competed to host branches of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (now the Nigerian Exchange). At the time, the rush to establish stock exchange offices often overlooked critical factors such as market activity, investor base, and local economic dynamics, leading to underwhelming results.

Experts argue that an airport’s success hinges not merely on its construction but on its integration into a broader, sustainable transportation and economic ecosystem. For Abia State, this means ensuring that the airport is not just another “copycat” project but one that serves a real need, attracts airlines, generates sufficient traffic, and contributes meaningfully to the state’s economy. Without this careful planning, the airport risks becoming another underutilized infrastructure burden, draining state resources rather than delivering value.

The trend of states embarking on ambitious projects without fully addressing their viability or strategic alignment with local needs. Akwa Ibom State’s success with its airport and the subsequent establishment of its airline, Ibom Air, was underpinned by comprehensive planning and substantial investment in aircraft acquisition, route development, and operational efficiency.

For Abia State, it is essential to reflect on the Akwa Ibom model and understand that simply building an airport is not enough. Without a corresponding investment in airline operations, aircraft acquisition, and ensuring sufficient traffic demand, the project risks becoming a white elephant.

Moreover, factors such as market competition, operational sustainability, and connectivity to major travel hubs must be considered. Copying Akwa Ibom’s approach without adapting it to Abia’s unique context could lead to inefficiencies and financial strain. If the government aims to follow this path, a detailed feasibility study and a long-term operational strategy should be prioritized to avoid potential pitfalls and maximize the airport’s contribution to economic growth.

The airport’s success will depend on how well it integrates into the state’s broader economic strategy and serves its people, beyond the allure of simply having an airport to rival neighboring states. The lesson remains clear: infrastructure projects must be tailored to local realities, not driven by competition or imitation.

As the December 17 commencement date approaches, Abians are hopeful but cautious, looking to the government to ensure that this ambitious project transcends the pitfalls of similar ventures in other parts of the country.