Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has declared that Abia State Governor Alex C. Otti has contributed more funds to the ongoing Nsulu Airport Project than the Federal Government.
Keyamo made the statement while inspecting the project site in Obingwa LGA this week. He said the governor’s financial commitment and speed of execution have surprised federal officials, noting that state funding is currently driving the airport’s development more than federal allocations.
The Abia Airport, located at Nsulu, is designed as a cargo and passenger airport to serve Aba’s manufacturing hub and the wider Southeast. Aba is known as Nigeria’s SME capital for leather, garments, and fabrication, but businesses there have long complained about poor logistics. The airport is expected to cut transport costs and time for exporters.
Construction began years ago under previous administrations but stalled due to funding gaps. Since Governor Otti took office, work has accelerated with visible progress on earthworks, perimeter fencing, and terminal foundations.
The minister told reporters: “Governor Alex C. Otti has brought money more than the Federal Government in the ongoing Nsulu Airport Project.” He praised Otti for “putting his money where his mouth is” and said the FG would match the governor’s commitment to ensure completion. Keyamo also confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Aviation has reviewed the masterplan and will provide technical and regulatory support.
1. *Funding reality*: State governments rarely outspend the FG on federal airport projects. Keyamo’s comment highlights Abia’s unusual level of investment and political will.
2. *Economic impact*: A functional airport in Nsulu would directly benefit Aba traders, reduce road freight costs to Lagos/Port Harcourt, and attract cargo airlines. It could create thousands of jobs in logistics, warehousing, and agro-processing.
3. *Political signal*: The praise from a federal minister shows growing FG-Abia collaboration, despite past tensions between the center and Southeast states on infrastructure.
Keyamo said the ministry will work with Abia to finalize timelines and ensure the airport meets ICAO standards. Governor Otti has reiterated that his administration wants the airport operational within his first term, calling it “non-negotiable” for Abia’s industrial future.
For years Nsulu Airport was a “white elephant.” Now, according to Keyamo, one man’s cash injection has moved it from paper to progress. If Otti is outspending Abuja on a federal project, the pressure is on both levels of government to deliver a runway that Aba’s businesses can actually use.
