Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has said that the state did not borrow a kobo to construct the multi-billion naira airport in the state.
Obiano said this on Friday at the commissioning of the airport in Umueri, Anambra East Local Council.
He described the project as strategic for Nigeria’s economy, especially that of the state.
According to Obiano, the airport is the most audacious and revolutionary project his administration embarked on and completed in record time.
“We rose above the global gloom and doom (of Coronavirus Disease) to bring this dream to reality. Anambra did not borrow a kobo to build this airport.
“We began this administration with the plan to become the first choice investment destination and trade hub. This airport fulfils that dream, because it is difficult to create an international economic corridor without an airport. Very soon, our cargo and passenger services, both local and international, will make us one of the busiest airports in the country,” Obiano said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, said the landmark facility “has the longest runway in the country,” spanning 3.7km, with the capacity to receive the biggest aircraft in the world.
He thanked the Federal Government for approving the project, describing it as one of the airports to get a fast test-flight approval.
“What we have here is the widest runway ever and could land a Boeing 777 and an Airbus 380. This is the first time an airport would be doing a test-run with a Boeing 737. It used to be very small planes. I decided to bring in two planes to show the quality of airport here. I can tell you that it is a game-changer,” Onyema said.
Anamby State Commissioner for Works and Head of the Project Delivery Team, Marcel Ifejiofor, said all the outstanding facilities had been paid for, including the Instrument Landing System.
Meanwhile, at the commissioning, the airport received demonstration flights to the excitement of Anambra indigenes, guests and the aviation community.
The new airport, which was constructed in 15 months, is expecting both cargo and passenger traffic in the next couple of months.
About 2.40 p.m. on Friday, an Air Peace Boeing 737 aircraft made the inaugural landing, throwing the waiting audience into a frenzy. About 15 minutes later, another Air Peace Embraer 145 aircraft touched down to a traditional water salute reception. Later, a private jet also landed at the airport.
The facility, awaiting commercial services, already has the runway, apron, control tower, fire infrastructure, among other critical infrastructure in place, except for the terminal that is near completion.
