The Ebonyi State authorities has made a request for a mortgage of N10 billion from the federal authorities, which it could use to amass airport gear, because it doesn’t have sufficient funds to finish work on the airport venture.
The state authorities in a letter with reference: GOV/EBS/FE/2.17/1/312 dated September 7, 2001 and addressed to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika with title, “Re: Notification of My Letter to Mr. President Looking for His Monetary Help to Buy Our Airport Gear” and signed by Governor David Umahi, said that the state is constructing main airport within the nation and wanted cash to amass gear to finish the work.
“We’re constructing one of many largest airports in Nigeria, utilizing concrete to construct the runway. We intend to finish this venture by Could, 2022, however we don’t have the cash to purchase the airport gear, therefore our attraction to Mr. President for Ten Billion Naira (N10, 000, 000, 000.00) to buy the gear.
“We will handover the airport to the Federal Authorities on completion to concession and supervise.”
The letter additionally said, “I plead with you on your form assist in recommending to Mr. President to help us when Mr. President refers our letter to you. Recall all of your help to us in direction of the realisation of this venture. This your newest anticipated help will assist to finish the airport and can permit Mr. President and also you to fee the venture to the credit score of Mr. President administration.”
Reacting to the request, trade supply described the Ebonyi airport venture as a wasteful venture “to steal cash. It’s a pointless venture that may simply use up scarce sources.”
Talking in the identical vein, aviation knowledgeable and the Managing Director/CEO of ABX World, a cargo freighting firm, Captain John Okeakpu mentioned that the airport is positioned on the strategy of Enugu airport, “simply by strategy finish of functioning Enugu Worldwide Airport. The state authorities is focusing on 80 per cent of all Enugu inbound passengers and cargo, that are heading to Anambra.”
“For heaven’s sake why do I’ve to land in Ebonyi airport and commute for about three hours plus all the weather to Anambra as a substitute of Enugu and commute for approach lower than two hours. Anambra has constructed the most effective airports in Nigeria, now you inform me what’s going to occur? That is one other huge time “BLUE SKY PROJECT”. I’m significantly in cargo enterprise, which is my main funding, imagine you me, that is lifeless on arrival for that state. Is not going to checklist any statistics to justify it,” Okeakpu mentioned.
However former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr Richard Aisuebeogun, mentioned there was nothing unsuitable to construct airport to help the agrarian economic system of most states, however what’s essential is to have the human sources.