By Isaac Mission
The Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State has come under renewed scrutiny over the more than N53 billion reportedly committed to its construction and rehabilitation, despite its limited operational activity nearly three years after commissioning.
A report by SaharaReporters, following a visit to the airport on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, described the facility in Onueke, near Abakaliki, as largely deserted, with little evidence of regular commercial activity.
The airport was initiated under the administration of former Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi, now Minister of Works, and was officially commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 26, 2023. Earlier that year, two Air Peace flights landed at the facility as part of activities marking its launch.
More than 1,200 days after its commissioning, however, the airport has reportedly struggled to attract sustained commercial operations or generate significant revenue for the state.
SaharaReporters said access to the facility was restricted during its latest visit, with security personnel reportedly preventing visitors from entering without authorisation. A security guard was quoted as saying workers only regularly appear at the airport when chartered flights are scheduled.
Sources familiar with the airport's operations claimed that fewer than 55 commercial and private chartered flights had landed at the facility since its establishment.
Efforts by the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru to increase passenger traffic have also yielded limited results. The state introduced a 50 per cent subsidy on passenger fares in an attempt to make flights more affordable and encourage patronage.
Despite the intervention, sources said commercial flights have struggled to attract passengers, with fewer than 20 passengers reportedly boarding some flights.
An unnamed insider alleged that most chartered flights using the airport are linked to trips involving former Governor Umahi and his family, as well as the current governor's official movements.
Additional Billions Spent On Runway Repairs
The airport's financial burden reportedly increased after defects were discovered on its concrete runway.
According to the report, the previous administration spent more than N36 billion in borrowed funds on the project, while the Nwifuru administration subsequently committed another N17.3 billion to remedial work, including laying asphalt on the runway.
Governor Nwifuru had previously acknowledged technical problems with the facility, particularly the runway, during engagements with stakeholders.
He said the runway's condition had reportedly caused damage to aircraft tyres and landing gear, making it difficult for airlines to operate safely from the airport.
Nwifuru also disclosed that the state initially attempted to address the problem by filling expansion joints, but the intervention did not resolve the issue. The state subsequently sought technical guidance from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, which recommended further engineering work, including certification, installation of tie-rods and asphalt surfacing.
Although the governor later announced that runway rehabilitation had been completed, work on other sections, including the terminal and control tower, continued.
Commercial operations, however, have remained limited.
Proposed State-Owned Airline Still Unclear
In another attempt to make the airport viable, Governor Nwifuru announced in his New Year address in January 2026 that the state had procured three aircraft for a proposed state-owned fleet.
He said the aircraft were expected to arrive before the end of that month.
Nine months later, the aircraft had reportedly not arrived, raising questions about the status of the proposed procurement.
SaharaReporters also cited sources who alleged that officials involved in negotiations for the aircraft were defrauded. The report said the state government had not publicly clarified the status of the transaction or addressed questions concerning the funds allegedly committed to the acquisition.
Critics Question Airport's Economic Viability
Legal practitioner Gerald Moses Ede described the airport as a misplaced priority, arguing that Ebonyi should have concentrated more resources on industries, electricity and other projects capable of stimulating economic activity.
Ede questioned the rationale behind investing heavily in an airport in a state with limited industrial and commercial activity.
He argued that without factories, major markets and other economic centres capable of attracting people and businesses, the airport would struggle to generate the passenger numbers required to sustain regular airline operations.
Businessman Solomon Ugochukwu similarly argued that the state could have achieved greater economic impact by directing funds towards industrial development and electricity infrastructure.
According to him, factories would not only create direct employment but also encourage the growth of smaller businesses around industrial locations, creating a broader economic chain.
He maintained that Ebonyi's heavy dependence on government employment and the absence of significant industrial activity had weakened the prospects of sustaining a busy airport.
Poverty Raises Questions Over Spending Priorities
The debate over the airport's viability comes amid concerns about poverty and infrastructure across Ebonyi State.
The report cited National Bureau of Statistics data which places Ebonyi among Nigeria's poorest states, with a poverty headcount rate of 79.76 per cent.
Critics argue that resources deployed on large-scale projects could instead have been used to address electricity shortages, rural roads and other basic infrastructure.
Some rural communities, including areas around Obeagu and Nkalaha, were cited as examples where poor road infrastructure remains a major concern.
The report also highlighted allegations that residents and activists who criticise government spending face intimidation and pressure.
Activist Godwin Onyekachi claimed that individuals who publicly question government policies risk being targeted by security agencies and other state institutions.
He alleged that some civil society and religious organisations had also been discouraged from criticising government activities through political influence and material inducements.
Government Yet To Respond
SaharaReporters said it contacted Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, for comments on the allegations and questions raised in the report.
According to the publication, the commissioner did not respond to its telephone calls, while a text message requesting clarification on the issues remained unanswered at the time the report was filed.
The controversy surrounding the airport therefore continues to centre on whether the massive public expenditure committed to the project can eventually translate into meaningful economic activity for Ebonyi State.