State Governments Under Fire for N160bn Spent on Unviable Airport Projects

State Governments Criticized for Costly and Ineffective Airport Ventures”

In recent years, Nigerian state governments have poured a staggering N160bn into airport projects that experts and opposition figures deem unviable. The six states—Ekiti, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Yobe, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa—invested heavily in these ventures, yet the airports have failed to attract significant air traffic, rendering them largely ineffective.

Stakeholders have sharply criticized these expenditures, labeling them as wasteful, and calling on citizens to hold their governors accountable. Industry professionals and political commentators argue that these airports, instead of serving their intended purposes, have become financial burdens.

Prominent voices in the aviation sector suggest that these airports, rather than continuing to drain public funds, should be repurposed into skill acquisition centers or other public utilities that would better serve the local populations. This recommendation underscores the need for more pragmatic approaches to state development projects.

Investigations reveal that the drive to build these airports often lacked the necessary feasibility studies, resulting in facilities that struggle to justify the immense costs involved. For instance, the Akure airport in Ekiti, despite costing N16bn, remains largely underutilized, drawing criticism for its lack of economic viability.

Further, the Bayelsa airport, initially projected to cost N70bn, has come under scrutiny not only for its inflated costs but also for its limited operational activity. Former Governor Seriake Dickson defended the expenditure, but opposition voices like Adams Oshiomole argued the real cost exceeded N100bn, sparking debates about transparency and fiscal responsibility.

The problem extends beyond just financial waste; it highlights a trend where states, eager to emulate others, rush into costly infrastructure projects without clear plans for their sustainability. Aviation experts warn that without a solid business foundation, such projects are doomed to fail, as seen with the numerous underutilized airports across the country.

The narrative is the same in states like Yobe, where over N18bn has been funneled into an airport that remains unused. Similarly, in Nasarawa, a cargo airport intended to ease traffic at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport has not lived up to its expectations, leading to questions about the rationale behind its construction.

The call for a thorough investigation into the funds spent on these projects grows louder, with stakeholders urging the government to reassess its priorities and focus on developments that offer tangible benefits to the populace. As the debate continues, the mismanagement of public funds on these unviable airport projects remains a glaring example of poor governance and misplaced priorities.