Governor Alex Otti has assured residents of Abia State that the ongoing airport project is more than just an infrastructure venture, emphasizing that it is designed to unlock broad economic benefits for the people.
Speaking on the scope of the project, the governor said the airport is envisioned as an “airport city” — a comprehensive hub that will house a three or four-star hotel, a Nigerian Air Force base, modern markets, and shopping plazas.
“We are not just building an airport; we are building an airport city,” Otti stated. “A three or four-star hotel is going to be there, and even the Nigeria Air Force is going to have a base there. There are going to be markets and shopping plazas within the facility.”
The governor explained that the initiative is aimed at stimulating economic growth, generating employment, and attracting tourism and investment to Abia State.
He noted that the airport would serve as a gateway not just for travelers, but for traders, investors, and service providers.
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Addressing concerns over compensation for residents affected by the land acquisition, Otti stressed that the state government had fulfilled its obligations.
“We have paid 100 per cent compensation to everybody whose land was affected,” he clarified. “If there’s anyone that has not been paid, it is not our fault. Maybe, they provided the wrong account number or there are three or four people struggling for the same space.”
The airport city project is one of several infrastructure initiatives rolled out by the Otti administration as part of its broader development strategy for Abia State.