In a major boost to air travel in Ebonyi State, the Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, has announced that the state government will soon commence the training of staff at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport and commission vital airline traffic lighting systems to enable night operations.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki after a session with the State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts, Mrs. Obichukwu expressed confidence in the government's commitment to transform the airport into a fully functional hub of aviation activities.
“I am always encouraged when we’re invited to account for our activities,” she said. “It reminds us to be prudent, transparent, and cautious, knowing that people are watching and monitoring what we do.”
The Commissioner lauded Governor Francis Nwifuru’s “dogged determination” to see the airport succeed, despite the capital-intensive nature of aviation infrastructure.
She revealed that the absence of night flights at the airport will soon be resolved with the commissioning of airline traffic lights, a critical component of airport safety and functionality.
“Very soon, we will begin our training programs and commission the airline traffic lights,” she said. “That has been the reason we’ve not been operating at night. Once installed, we will be able to handle evening flights and expand our operational hours.”
Mrs. Obichukwu also gave updates on the state’s effort to establish Ebonyi Airline PLC, revealing that significant progress has been made in the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration and other legal and regulatory requirements.
“Yes, CAC registration is ongoing. It includes not just the company registration, but also documentation for board members and tax clearance for individuals involved,” she explained. “We’ve also secured all the necessary CAC certifications and are now heading towards acquiring the Air Transport License (ATL).”
According to her, once the ATL is obtained, the process of acquiring aircraft will begin in earnest. She emphasized that buying aircraft is a highly regulated process that involves agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“We’ve concluded necessary security clearances with the DSS and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” she added. “Now we await the license. Purchasing an aircraft isn’t like buying a refrigerator—it involves inspection and certification from aviation professionals.”
Obichukwu described the overall vision for the airport as ambitious but achievable, noting that every milestone reached brings the state closer to a fully operational, independent airline.
The Commissioner’s interaction with the lawmakers underscored the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government in delivering critical infrastructure for the economic and social transformation of Ebonyi State.
