Ebonyi Commences Plans Of Procuring Commercial Airplanes 

As part of its effort to increase the expansion and operational effectiveness of the state-owned Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, the Ebonyi State Government has made intentions to purchase commercial aircraft public.

Leo Ekene Oketa, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, made this revelation in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Elechi Elechi Nnannia, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, has been given permission by Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Executive Council, according to Oketa, to start talks with suppliers of the aircraft.

This move is likely tied to the state’s broader vision of launching its own airline, similar to Akwa Ibom’s Ibom Air.

“In another move to further explore opportunities for the maximum growth and operations of the state-of-the-art airport, the Governor, His Excellency, @FrancisNwifuru, and EXCO approved for the Hon. Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Elechi Elechi Nnannia, to proceed and negotiate with contractors seeking to supply commercial airplanes for Ebonyi State,” the statement read in part.

Furthermore, the statement noted that the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, announced that the process of marking the newly asphalted runway at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport has been completed.

She also mentioned that there are still some minor clearances from relevant agencies and additional work that need to be finished, but these are expected to be completed soon.