Governors criticized for squandering N160bn on unfeasible airport projects
Six state governments—Ekiti, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Yobe, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa—have invested approximately N160 billion in airport projects deemed impractical by both opposition politicians and aviation experts.
Critics argue that the substantial public funds allocated to these projects have been squandered and have called for accountability from the governors responsible. There have been suggestions that these underutilized facilities could be repurposed into centers for skills development to better serve the public.
A thorough review reveals that the six states collectively spent over N160 billion on various airport initiatives, yet these airports have failed to attract significant traffic for either charter or commercial flights.
While major airports like Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and Port Harcourt International Airport account for about 80% of the revenue for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), other airports have become a financial burden.
Despite the evident challenges faced by many airports in Nigeria, several state governments continue to invest in airport construction, often labeling them as “cargo airports.” Over the past decade, at least ten states have proposed or started such projects.
Examples include Osun, Ebonyi, Ogun, Benue, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Ekiti, and Bayelsa. Many of these projects are incomplete or have been abandoned by subsequent administrations.
Notable projects include Asaba Airport, Ebonyi Airport, Bayelsa Airport, Ogun Cargo Airport, MKO Abiola International Airport in Osun (which remains unfinished), Ekiti Cargo Airport, Anambra Cargo Airport, Abia Airport, Wachakal Airport in Damaturu, and Dutse International Airport in Jigawa.
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, despite the presence of nearby airports in Delta, Imo, and Enugu states, launched a project in 2017 to build a cargo airport in Umueri. The project, initially estimated at $2 billion, was later reported to have cost N6 billion.
Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika approved the Ebonyi airport project during Governor David Umahi’s tenure, who claimed to have spent over N36 billion. However, the airport’s operational status remains uncertain.
Ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State allocated N16 billion for the Akure airport, which has not attracted significant aircraft traffic. As of January 2023, N16.6 billion had been spent on the project, including for fencing, runway and taxiway construction, and compensation for land acquisition.
In Jigawa, former Governor Sule Lamido invested N4 billion in an airport commissioned in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Its proximity to Aminu Kano International Airport has led experts to question the expenditure.
In Bayelsa, former Governor Seriake Dickson spent N70 billion on an airport project that began in 2012 and concluded in February 2019. There has been controversy over the actual cost, with some claiming it exceeded N100 billion.
Yobe State’s transport commissioner recently revealed that over N18 billion was spent on an airport project that remains unused. Similarly, Nasarawa’s cargo airport project, initiated in December 2015 during former Governor Umaru Al-Makura’s second term, was estimated to cost N10 billion and was intended to alleviate cargo traffic at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
