How Chuba Okadigbo International Airport is the worst government project in Nigeria

Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Photo Credit- The Trumpet Newspaper

The X post by Kalu Aja (@FinPlanKaluAja1), shared on May 10, 2025, has brought significant attention to the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, criticizing it as a “greater waste of taxpayers’ funds” with an estimated N50 billion spent. This piece is set to explore a comprehensive analysis of Ebonyi state airport, with references from the X post, its replies, and additional research to contextualize the controversy.

Overview of the X post and public reaction

A screenshot from the video of the flooding in Chuba Okadigbo International Airport

The X post includes a video, lasting a minute and nine seconds, depicting severe flooding inside the airport, with water covering the floor and reflecting surroundings, suggesting poor construction or maintenance. The accompanying text by Kalu Aja expresses strong disapproval, stating, “Since the creation of Nigeria, I have not seen a greater waste of taxpayers’ funds like the state-built airport in Ebonyi State.” This claim of N50 billion expenditure aligns with reports of the airport’s total cost, including initial construction and subsequent repairs.

Replies to the post reflect a mix of sarcasm, frustration, and agreement. For instance, @amourab sarcastically suggested the airport could serve as a “three-in-one project” (airport, swimming pool for Olympic games, and fishing pond), highlighting its non-functionality. For @CroBender, he noted an additional N13 billion spent in 2023 for runway rehabilitation, calling the ruling party (APC) a “curse to humanity.” Other users, like @nze_Anambra and @SolomonN38455, criticized the project’s lack of value, mentioning unrelated infrastructure and the destruction of local roads and homes without compensation. @Edisonokojie1 highlighted the lack of commercial viability, noting low passenger demand in Ebonyi State, and contrasted this with the governance style of Peter Obi, known for making relevant economic impact.

Cost analysis of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport Research suggests the initial construction cost of the airport was approximately N36 billion, as reported by sources like New Telegraph and Radio Nigeria South East Zonal Station. An additional N13.7 billion was allocated for runway rehabilitation, as justified by Governor Francis Nwifuru in October 2023 , bringing the total to over N50 billion. This aligns with Kalu Aja’s figure, though some reports, like Punch Newspapers, mention a total of N53 billion, possibly including other expenses.

Component cost of Chuba Okadigbo International Airport

This table illustrates the significant financial investment, raising questions about its justification given Ebonyi State’s economic context. Photo Credit- Author

Chuba Okadigbo International Airport construction and commissioning timeline

The airport, located in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area, was commissioned in May 2023 by former Governor Dave Umahi, now Minister for Works. It was initially named after former President Muhammadu Buhari, but renamed after Chuba Okadigbo, a former Senate President, following Buhari’s refusal to have the airport in his name, a decision that has also stirred controversy.

Operational challenges and current status of the Airport

Despite its commissioning, the airport faced immediate operational issues, particularly with the runway. Reports indicate the runway, constructed with concrete and measuring 3.1 kilometers in length and 75 meters in width, was unsuitable for aircraft landings, leading to closures shortly after opening. The N13.7 billion rehabilitation, awarded to Infrastructure Development Company, IDC, aimed to replace the concrete with asphalt for smoother operations, with completion expected by August 2024. However, as of November 2024, THISDAYLIVE reports it remains non-functional, proving the flooding shown in Kalu Aja’s video as real, suggesting ongoing maintenance issues.

Economic benefits and public criticism

The airport has been labeled a “white elephant project,” with concerns about its economic viability in Ebonyi State, which has limited commercial activity and passenger traffic. Punch Newspapers notes the controversy hinges on its ability to generate economic benefits, especially amid poverty in the state. X replies, like @fascolajamit’s comment on low passenger demand, echo this, contrasting with more successful state airports like Anambra or Enugu which benefits from higher disposable income. Critics argue funds could have been better spent on roads, healthcare, or education, a sentiment reflected in the X post’s frustration.

Ebonyi state’s government’s defense and future plans

Governor Nwifuru has defended the project, emphasizing its regional importance, intended to serve Ebonyi, Abia, Benue, and parts of Cross River . The state government has approved the purchase of aircraft for EbonyiAirline and plans to maximize revenue from utility infrastructure and telecom taxes to support operations. The Federal Government has also expressed interest in taking over the facility, potentially to enhance its viability. Moreover, few days ago there were reports from the Trumpet Newspaper and Daily Post about the government condemning the news of flooding in the Airport and measures have been taken to resume operations by next month k.

However, comparisons with other state-built airports, like Anambra, highlight the challenges. Anambra Airport’s success is attributed to higher local disposable income and operational management, whereas Ebonyi lacks similar economic drivers, as noted in X replies and reports.

Conclusion

The Chuba Okadigbo International Airport remains a controversial issue, symbolizing what many see as mismanagement of public funds. The X post by Kalu Aja, supported by public reactions and media reports, shows the airport’s non-functionality and high cost, while the government’s defense focuses on regional benefits and future plans. As of May 2025, the evidence leans toward ongoing challenges, with significant debate over its value to Ebonyi State.