IS Ebonyi Airport the Solution to Poverty? Residents Weigh In

The establishment of  International Airport—located in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has stirred mixed reactions among residents, experts, and analysts. While some see it as a gateway to economic prosperity, others view it as an unnecessary and wasteful venture in a state with more pressing needs.

The Journey So Far

The airport, initiated during the administration of former Governor David Umahi and commissioned just before his tenure ended, was built at a reported cost of ₦36 billion. The federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari also approved ₦10 billion for the project, while the current Ebonyi State government led by Governor Francis Nwifuru has earmarked an additional ₦13 billion for runway repairs.

Ebonyi State, located in southeastern Nigeria, faces significant economic challenges, as evidenced by its poverty rates and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures.

According to data from 2018, approximately 72.8% of Ebonyi’s population lived on less than $2.15 per day, indicating a high level of extreme poverty. Also, In 2019, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that Ebonyi had a poverty headcount rate of 79.76%, underscoring the state’s economic struggles.

Furthermore, Ebonyi has been referred  to as the “poverty capital of Southern Nigeria,” highlighting the severity of poverty in the region.

In terms of economic output, Ebonyi State’s GDP was estimated at ₦2.24 trillion (approximately $5.55 billion) in 2021.

This positions Ebonyi 25th among Nigeria’s 36 states in GDP rankings. The GDP per capita for Ebonyi was around $1,675, reflecting the average economic output per person.

Implications:

The combination of high poverty rates and relatively low GDP figures suggests that Ebonyi State faces substantial economic development challenges.Factors contributing to this situation may include limited industrialization, dependence on subsistence agriculture, inadequate infrastructure, and educational deficits.

However, controversies surrounding the project include allegations of mismanagement of funds, lack of transparency in the contract awards, and the displacement of over 800 residents whose houses were demolished without adequate compensation. While some families received paltry sums ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦400,000, many others were left uncompensated, adding to the tension surrounding the project.

Residents perspectives

Hon. Nwanchor Chibuike, a politician,  public affairs commentator, and former Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Grand Alliance in Ebonyi State  expressed cautious optimism about the project.

“I believe the airport is one of the priorities that can boost Ebonyi’s economic development, but my concern is the slow progress of the Chuba Okadigbo Airport. When the project started, there was a lot of hope that it would create jobs, attract investors, and elevate the state’s economy. But over a year after its unveiling, it remains non-functional.

“The government keeps promising that it will begin operations soon, especially during festive seasons, but nothing concrete has been done. Despite this, I still believe the airport is not a misplaced priority. Properly harnessed, it can create jobs and attract investors. I encourage citizens to be patient as Governor Nwifuru works to make the airport operational.”

For others, like David Ebenezer, a local farmer and trader, the project is seen as a misstep.

“The concept of an airport in Ebonyi is ill-conceived. The Akanu Ibiam InterAkanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu has not been fully utilized and could serve Ebonyi’s needs. What this state needs is massive industrialization. We rely on agriculture as our economic base, and the billions spent on this airport could have been better invested in industries to add value to our agricultural produce.

“This airport is a vanity project that brings no real value to the people of Ebonyi. The funds could have been used for initiatives that directly alleviate poverty and improve the lives of residents.”

Experts Opinions

Anthony Awunor, an aviation expert, raised concerns about the economic viability of the airport.

“Building an airport is extremely capital-intensive. Of the 22 airports in Nigeria, only three are profitable. Most state-owned airports end up being white elephant projects because they lack sustainability. Beyond construction, maintaining an airport requires significant resources. Technical and administrative personnel must be permanently employed, even if the airport generates no revenue.

“This project could follow the same pattern unless there’s a clear and feasible plan to ensure its profitability.”

Similarly, Captain John Okeakpu, a cargo business investor, criticized the project as poorly planned.

“For heaven’s sake, why should I land in Ebonyi and spend over three hours commuting to Anambra when Enugu Airport is closer? Anambra’s airport is already a better alternative, and this new airport will likely fail to attract meaningful traffic. It’s a ‘blue-sky project’ with no real business justification.”

Defending the Project

Not everyone is against the project. John Nweke, a civil servant and resident of Abakaliki, believes the airport is a step in the right direction.

“This airport is not just about air travel; it’s a cargo airport that can significantly boost our agricultural exports. Ebonyi has vast agricultural potential, and with proper planning, the airport can serve as a hub for transporting our produce to both domestic and international markets.

“Yes, it’s expensive, but good infrastructure always is. This is an investment in the future of Ebonyi, and I commend both the former and current administrations for their vision.”

The Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi also supported the project.

“The Chuba Okadigbo Airport is a world-class facility. Unlike the makeshift airports in neighboring states, our airport meets international standards. It’s not just an airport; it’s a symbol of progress.

“The criticisms are expected, but we must rise above political sentiments and see the bigger picture. This project has the potential to put Ebonyi on the map, attract investors, and create opportunities for our people.”

A Divided Opinion

While the airport’s potential to boost the state’s economy remains a point of debate, the concerns about its feasibility, transparency, and immediate benefits cannot be ignored. As the state government continues to push for the airport’s completion, residents and stakeholders are watching closely, hoping that the project will eventually fulfill its lofty promises.

For now, the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport stands as both a beacon of hope and a lightning rod for criticism—a project that highlights the complexities of balancing ambition with practicality in governance.