Abia International Airport Takes Shape as Runway Earthworks Advance in Nsulu

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

The Abia International Airport, a joint project of the federal and state governments in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, is witnessing serious work as earthworks on the runway advances progressively.

Answering questions from Newsmen during an inspection tour of the site, in continuation of the inspection tour by members of the Renewed Hope Presidential Media Team, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, said the airport which occupies one thousand, two hundred and twenty five hectares of land was acquired by the Abia State Government on behalf of the Federal Government.

He disclosed that the project which was initially conceived as a cargo airport, was subsequently upgraded to an international airport following the intervention of the state government.

Mr Chukwumerije noted that while the Abia State Government is responsible for the construction of the runway, the Federal Government is handling the terminal building, noting that land owners within the runway have been fully compensated.

Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands and Housing who doubles as the Airport Coordinator, Pastor Okorougo Aji, explained that the three-kilometre runway had been cleared with extensive construction activities, including cutting, filling and compacting in progress.

Pastor Aji while also noting that earthwork on nearly one kilometre of the runway is nearing completion, expressed optimism that the airport would be completed within the next two years, described the airport project as a dream gradually becoming a reality as many had earlier doubted its feasibility.

Also speaking, the site Engineer, Mr Yusuf Tawk, said work is progressing despite the challenges posed by the rainy season, assuring that the company will work towards realizing the project on schedule.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, and other senior government officials, including the Permanent secretary ministry of Information Sir Chris Onwuegbu joined members of the Media Team on the inspection tour.i