The President, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr Chris Ukachukwu, on Friday said that the Anambra International Cargo Airport, when completed, will increase economic fortune of the state.
Ukachukwu, in a statement, commended Governor Willie Obiano on the successful test flights at the airport, saying it remained a thing of joy and pride to indigenes of the state.
It will be recalled that the maiden flight landed at the newly constructed cargo airport, Umueri on April 30.
He said businesses would begin to explore the use of the airport as an import and export channel for their goods, thereby driving economic growth.
According to him, it will also make Anambra a global hub for investments, trade and commerce.
The ONICCIMA boss, however, urged the state government not to rest on its oars, but to ensure that all milestones set for the completion of each phase of the project were achieved.
He advised the state government to ensure the standardisation of the airport infrastructure to drive efficiency.
Ukachukwu stated, “The chamber, being at the forefront of advocacy for ease of doing business, wishes to note some issues for consideration.
“First, given the status of the facility as a cargo/passenger airport, entrance to the airport from the Umunya axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway does not befit the status of an international airport, especially considering that heavy-duty vehicles will ply the route to ferry cargo.
“Though, Onitsha-Otuocha road is Federal Government’s responsibility, a standard four-way lane is required on that road right now.”
The chamber’s president also urged the government to engage the aviation sector and related authorities to cordon off airplane pathways, adding that they do not tolerate residential buildings or developments.
According to him, the state government may not be aware that land grabbers and illegal estate industry operators have emerged in the entire axis of the airport project.
Ukachukwu urged the government to start exploring ways to curb touting and fraudsters associated with ancillary services like airport taxis and cabs, ticketing and currency exchange dealers at the airport.
He also called for resuscitation of the construction of four-star hotel project abandoned at Onitsha GRA, to accelerate hospitality in the state.
“We urge expedited action on the construction of cargo sheds for goods and bonded terminals that will arrive onboard various aircraft as well as other structures that will support full utilisation of the airport.
“ONICCIMA once again commends the Gov. Obiano-led administration for keeping to its commitment of making Anambra the destination of choice for investments, and hub for economic and commercial activities in the South-East,” he said.
