FG, Enugu govt partner to enhance Akanu Ibiam International airport

By Innocent Raphael

The Enugu State Government has taken a step towards the completion and operationalization of the international terminal, as well as the construction of a cargo terminal and warehouses at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport within its borders .

A partnership between the state and the Federal Government received a boost with the constitution of a committee tasked with refining the terms of cooperation between the state government and the Federal Airports Authorities of Nigeria (FAAN), alongside other modalities to realize the much-awaited infrastructural upgrade.

In her remarks during a meeting, Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, commended the Enugu State Government’s foresight in collaborating to provide critical infrastructure that will enhance the airport’s capabilities in cargo, domestic, and international passenger facilitation.

Stressing the economic potential, she highlighted projections indicating that airports serve as catalysts for economic growth, with a mere one percent allocation of a state budget towards an airport capable of tripling the state’s GDP.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, in his remarks, emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the state into a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and residence.

He further pointed out the necessity of upgrading airport facilities to accommodate anticipated growth, citing plans to attract millions of visitors annually, necessitating expanded aviation and logistics services.

The committee, chaired by Enugu State’s Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, and co-chaired by FAAN’s Head of Business Development, Mr. Hycienth Ngwu, is set to commence further actions with defined timelines to facilitate the immediate implementation of the project.

With resolved initial hurdles and a clear roadmap, stakeholders are optimistic about the swift progress towards realizing the infrastructural enhancements at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.