The Anambra State Government has set aside the sum of N6 billion for the construction of the Umueri International Cargo Airport near the state capital, Awka.
This was revealed when Governor Willie Obiano presented the state’s estimated budget of N137.1billion to the State House of Assembly.
The Details: N22.2 billion was allocated for the construction of roads and bridges while N6.98 billion was earmarked for implementing strategic initiatives in the health sector.
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Why this matters: Obiano said he is investing into the airport to fulfil the promise he made during his 2017 governorship campaign. He noted that an international airport in the state will bring economic development and increase the income base in the state.
What you should know: Worried by the delay of the project since 2017, the traditional ruler of Umueri Community, Igwe Ben Emeka tasked the government to complete the project as soon as possible, seeing that the Arial survey equipment has been released.
The Aerial survey equipment was impounded at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), until appropriate clearance was obtained for the Chinese Consortium involved in the project.
About the Umueri Cargo Airport: In 2017, Governor Willie Obiano launched the Umueri Cargo Airport project. Obiano said the ‘Airport City Project’ would be developed on a 1500-acre site and would feature two runways, an aviation fuel facility, aircraft maintenance facility, airport hotel, business park and international convention centre.
The project is expected to generate 1200 direct and 3600 indirect jobs. The project is estimated to cost more than $2 billion and will be developed through a partnership between the Anambra State Government, Orient Petroleum Resources and Elite International Investments. Elite International Investments will provide all funds under a build, operate, manage and transfer agreement.
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Anambra Airport City Infrastructure Limited allocated a 75% equity stake to Elite International Investments, 20% to Orient Petroleum Resources Limited and 5% to the State Government.
This is becoming a huge joke. I thought the governor promised that this airport won’t cost Anambra state any money apart from the land. Why the sudden budget of N6 billion from the state? Have the investors backed out from the $2 billion initially proposed? I guess we should only expect an airport terminal and not a city. Nonsense.