“Ekiti, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Governor’s Among those Who Squandered N160 Billions on Unprofitable Airports”

At least six state governments in Nigeria have squandered N160 billion of public funds on building unviable airport facilities. An analysis has implicated the governments of Ekiti, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Yobe, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa in the waste of these significant resources. Many Nigerians have described the large sums allocated to these airports as “wastage amid scarcity,” calling on relevant authorities to investigate the funds spent on these unsuccessful projects.

Further examination reveals that these six states collectively spent over N160 billion on airport projects that have failed to attract a significant number of aircraft for charter or commercial purposes. Apart from the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and Port Harcourt International Airport, which generate about 80% of the revenues for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), most other airports in the country have become financial burdens to the FAAN.

Despite these challenges, several state governments continue to invest heavily in new airport projects, many of which are designated as “cargo airports.” Over the past decade, at least ten state administrations have proposed or begun such projects, including those in Osun, Ebonyi, Ogun, Benue, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Ekiti, and Bayelsa. Unfortunately, most of these projects were never completed, and some were abandoned by subsequent administrations.

Notable examples of these uncompleted or underutilized projects include Asaba Airport, Ebonyi Airport, Bayelsa Airport, Ogun Cargo Airport, MKO Abiola International Airport in Osun (still under construction), Ekiti Cargo Airport, Anambra Cargo Airport, Abia Airport, Wachakal Airport in Damaturu, and Dutse International Airport in Jigawa. Additionally, Lafia Airport in Nasarawa and Auchi Airport in Edo remain unfinished, while Kebbi Airport, Zamfara Airport, and Gombe Airport have also faced challenges.

In 2017, former Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State initiated the construction of an airport in the state, despite its proximity to airports in Delta, Imo, and Enugu states. Six years later, he renewed his commitment to building a cargo airport in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area. Despite criticisms that the project was unnecessary, Obiano justified it by stating the government aimed to create an airport city with facilities such as two runways, an aviation fuel dump, an airport hotel, an industrial business park, an international convention center, and an aircraft maintenance facility. Initially projected to cost $2 billion, the state government later clarified that the expenditure was N6 billion.

In a similar scenario, the construction of the Ebonyi airport was approved by the immediate past aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, with the endorsement conveyed to then-Governor David Umahi. Umahi, now the Minister of Works, revealed that N36 billion was spent on the airport located in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area. However, the airport remains underutilized.

The former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, invested N16 billion of public funds in Akure airport, a project that faced criticism from various stakeholders. The project, which was intended to be a cargo airport, has yet to become operational. As of January 2023, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration disclosed that N16.6 billion had been spent on the incomplete facility, covering perimeter fencing, runway and taxiway completion, terminal building, and compensation for displaced farmers.

Similarly, in Jigawa State, former Governor Sule Lamido allocated N4 billion for an airport project commissioned in 2014 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite the initial investment, the airport has not lived up to expectations.

These instances reflect a broader pattern of poor planning and execution in airport projects across several Nigerian states, raising concerns about accountability and the prudent use of public funds.