FG TO BUILD AIRSTRIP IN ABIA

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

The Federal Government is collaborating with the Abia State Government to construct an airstrip to boost the the socioeconomic status of the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole made this known when he led a delegation to visited Governor Alex Otti.

Dr. Meribeole said they were in Abia State to ascertain if the land approved for the Airstrip is in alignment with the Federal Government’s approval.

He noted that the delegation was made up of experts from Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), AEROSPACE, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) among others.

Dr. Meribeole, expressed the hope that the project, when completed, would create job opportunities, promote businesses, increase revenue generation amongst others.

In his response, Governor Alex Otti pledged that the Abia State Government would be in the forefront in ensuring that the desire for an Abia Airport is realized in the next one year.

The Governor announced that the a commercial bank with experience in similar project had indicated interest in funding execution of the project.

He assured the team of his readiness towards providing needed support to actualize the project.

Governor Otti, who thanked President Bola Tinubu for capturing the setting up of Abia Airstrip in the 2024 budget, commended the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo and his team for being on the same page with him in envisaging an Airport for Abia State.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU