Wasteful State Airport Projects Amidst Widespread Poverty In Nigeria

State Airport Construction: Wasteful Projects Amidst Economic Hardship

In Nigeria, the trend of state governors investing billions in airport projects despite severe poverty and infrastructure deficits has sparked widespread criticism. Jigawa State’s Dutse International Airport, built under former Governor Sule Lamido, stands as a prime example. Despite its proximity to Kano’s functional airport and a massive $55.24 million (N4 billion) investment, the airport struggles with low passenger traffic and maintenance challenges.

The phenomenon of state airport construction persists across Nigeria. Recently, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State initiated the Gusau International Airport project, emphasizing its potential for boosting business, tourism, and social interaction. Similarly, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State launched the Abia Airport project, claiming it would stimulate economic activities and elevate the state’s status in West Africa. However, these projects face stiff opposition from critics who argue that basic infrastructure should be prioritized over expensive aviation ventures.

Mounting Criticism of State Airport Projects

The surge in state-funded airports has drawn public outrage, especially on social media platforms. Critics argue these projects are a misallocation of resources, with many pointing out the poor state of education, healthcare, and local road networks in states investing in airports. For example, Ekiti State’s Agro-allied International Cargo Airport, built for N16 billion, has been widely criticized for its limited utility and low passenger traffic since commissioning.

Ogun State further added to the controversy by boasting that its uncompleted Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport has the longest runway in Nigeria, a statement met with skepticism due to the state’s poor road maintenance record.

Financial Strain and Passenger Traffic Woes

Data shows at least seven states have collectively spent over N181 billion on airports that fail to meet passenger and cargo traffic requirements, including:

Ebonyi State International Airport – N36 billion
Akwa Ibom Airport – N25 billion
Bayelsa International Airport – N70 billion
Dutse International Airport – N4 billion
Anambra Cargo Airport – N6 billion
Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport – N14 billion
Ekiti Cargo Airport – N16 billion

Dutse International Airport, for instance, recorded only 3,537 passengers between January and July 2023, a figure too low to cover operational maintenance costs.

Experts and Aviation Stakeholders Weigh In

The excessive focus on airport construction without proper economic planning has divided opinions among aviation experts. Former Managing Director of FAAN, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, stressed the need for regulatory bodies like the NCAA to enforce stricter project viability assessments.

John Ojikutu, former Commandant of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, described state-funded airport projects as misplaced priorities, urging governors to focus on viable transport infrastructure instead. On the other hand, aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo argued that properly planned airports could promote tourism and economic development if managed efficiently.

Moving Forward: Reforms and Accountability

To prevent wasteful spending, aviation stakeholders recommend:

Concessioning Airports: State airports should be privatized or commercialized for better efficiency.
Economic Feasibility Studies: State governments must provide detailed business plans before project approval.
Focus on Basic Infrastructure: Prioritize essential public services before embarking on luxury projects.

Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure can indeed drive economic growth, but only if developed with accountability and proper planning. State governments must shift their focus from prestige-driven projects to sustainable development initiatives that directly benefit the citizens they serve.