The Anambra State Government has outlined plans to transform the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri into a major hub for cargo and passenger traffic in the region.
In an interview with reporters at the Airport Business Summit and Expo in Lagos, the Commissioner for Transport, Anambra State, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike
revealed the state’s vision for the airport and its plans to attract airlines and investors to the value chain.
According to Mrs. Igwebuike, the airport’s conception was primarily for cargo and passengers, with a focus on leveraging Anambra’s strategic location as a commercial hub in the southeast.
The state’s proximity to the Onitsha main market and its viability as a commercial site make it an attractive destination for cargo and passenger traffic.
The Commissioner revealed that the airport is already operational, with over 343,000 passengers and 5,700 flights recorded since its inception.
To attract more airlines and investors, she said, the state is engaging with various stakeholders, including Ibom Air and Value Jet, to discuss potential partnerships and concessions.
Mrs. Igwebuike emphasized the state’s commitment to transparency and openness, citing the example of MM2, a private company that has successfully operated a terminal in London.
The Commissioner also addressed concerns about the airport’s viability, citing the state’s willingness to offer incentives to airlines and investors.
She disclosed that, the state has received over 30 proposals for concessions and management agreements, and is open to discussing potential partnerships with airlines and other stakeholders.
Mrs. Igwebuike also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, stating that the state sees itself as complementary to other airports in the region, rather than in competition.
She cited the example of the UK, where multiple airports serve different regions, and argued that a similar model could be applied in Nigeria.
The Anambra State Government is offering various incentives to attract airlines and investors to the Chinua Achebe International Airport.
These incentives include, concessions and management agreements for airport operations and services, partnerships with airlines and other stakeholders to develop cargo and passenger traffic and incentives for hotel development and other airport-related infrastructure.
Others are, opportunities for oil and gas-related businesses to establish operations at the airport, a young and developing state with a growing economy and increasing passenger demand
