By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government has commenced efforts to complete outstanding works at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, and acquire aircraft to facilitate the commencement of full-fledged airline operations at the facility.
The Commissioner for Transport and Aviation, Collins Igboke, disclosed this on Wednesday after inspecting facilities and ongoing works at the airport alongside other stakeholders.
Igboke said the inspection was undertaken to identify and document outstanding works and determine the interventions required to make the airport ready for scheduled commercial flight operations.
He estimated the airport project to be about 89 to 90 per cent completed, noting that some facilities still required repairs following vandalism and exposure to rain and water.
“We are here to compile all the remaining works at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport and know how to finish them because, in no distant time, airline operations will commence here,” he said.
The commissioner said the outcome of the inspection would be submitted to Governor Francis Nwifuru for necessary action, stressing that the state government was committed to providing the infrastructure and securing the required regulatory approvals for commercial operations.
He added that the airport, when fully operational, would contribute significantly to the state’s internally generated revenue and stimulate economic activities through passenger movement, cargo handling and other aviation-related businesses.
Igboke acknowledged that the commencement of scheduled airline operations required several regulatory approvals and technical processes, urging residents to exercise patience while the government worked to complete the requirements.
“Passengers need to exercise a little patience with us. In no distant time, this airport will be fully functional. I am assuring you of that,” he said.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Aviation, Frederick Nwogbaga, said the inspection identified areas requiring urgent attention, particularly facilities affected by rain and water.
Nwogbaga said the government would address the outstanding issues while continuing consultations with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that all conditions for scheduled passenger services were met.
He explained that although the airport was already operational in some respects, the government was working towards completing the processes required for regular passenger flight operations.
The General Manager of the airport, Anazo Kalu, identified the runway as one of the facility’s major advantages, describing it as one of the longest in Nigeria and capable of accommodating larger aircraft.
Kalu said key facilities, including the control tower and elevator, were functional, adding that a temporary tower was currently being used to provide the required services pending the completion of permanent arrangements.
He said the commencement of scheduled passenger flights would open up opportunities for the transportation of passengers, baggage, cargo and mails, thereby creating additional economic benefits for the state.
According to him, once the outstanding works are completed, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would be invited to conduct a verification exercise, after which the airport would be issued an aerodrome certificate if it meets the required standards.
“With the aerodrome certificate, we will have the permit to operate scheduled passenger flight services. That is the end point and the goal,” Kalu said.
He added that Governor Nwifuru was “very desirous and eager” to see the airport commence full operations, expressing confidence that the remaining processes would be concluded soon.
