Governors’ Airport Obsession: Is Nigeria’s Aviation Dream Doomed?

A few years ago, the announcement of Jigawa State’s plans to build an airport left many bewildered, particularly given the widespread poverty in the region. The confusion was fueled by Jigawa’s close proximity to Kano, which already had an airport, making the project seem unnecessary. Yet, 11 years after the Dutse International Airport was commissioned by former President Goodluck Jonathan and built under former Governor Sule Lamido, critics’ concerns have proven prescient, as the airport struggles to thrive.

The Dutse International Airport, which cost $55.24 million (about N4 billion at the time), has failed to meet expectations, with low passenger traffic. This mirrors a broader trend across Nigeria, where state governors continue to embark on ambitious airport projects, often met with skepticism and criticisms.

In June 2024, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal launched the construction of the Gusau International Airport, citing its potential to enhance business, tourism, and social interaction in the state. A few months later, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State followed suit with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abia Airport, a project he described as a landmark development poised to boost the state’s economy. Yet, many Nigerians are questioning the wisdom of these ventures.

On social media, critics have pointed out that building airports in regions already well-served by neighboring airports seems to be a waste of resources. One user, Kay001, remarked, “This is just a waste of money, where citizens of that state are wallowing in abject poverty.” Others, like Mazi Aristotle, expressed disappointment, suggesting that an airport wouldn’t solve pressing issues like insecurity and poor infrastructure.

The criticism continued with the announcement of Ekiti State’s N16 billion Agro-allied International Cargo Airport. Despite the fact that it has yet to prove its viability, the state government insists the project will serve as an economic catalyst. However, many Nigerians, including X user Adetola Adedeji, question why the state would prioritize an airport over more urgent needs, such as functional schools and hospitals.

Meanwhile, Ogun State proudly boasts that its Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, still under construction, will feature the longest runway in Nigeria, measuring 3.4 kilometers. But critics, like Pragmatic007, have raised concerns about the state’s ability to maintain such a large-scale project, especially when it struggles to repair basic infrastructure like potholes.

The proliferation of state-owned airports in Nigeria began in the 1980s, with the late Governor Sam Mbakwe of Imo State leading the charge to build the first state-owned airport. Since then, 31 airports have been constructed, with most falling under the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Despite the grand visions behind these airports, many have failed to meet expected passenger and cargo traffic requirements, prompting concerns about their sustainability.

Data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reveals that several airports built by state governments have struggled with low traffic. For instance, Dutse International Airport recorded only 1,448 domestic passengers in 2022, with a slight increase to 3,537 passengers in 2023. This minimal passenger throughput is not enough to support routine maintenance costs, raising doubts about the long-term viability of such projects.

With billions of naira spent on airports that fail to generate enough revenue, Nigeria finds itself in a peculiar situation where some uncompleted airports, such as Ogun’s Agro-Cargo Airport and the MKO Abiola International Airport in Osun, are estimated to cost taxpayers a further N109 billion.

This recurring trend has sparked debate. Some see these airports as vanity projects used by governors to siphon public funds or bolster their political legacies. Others, however, argue that with proper planning and execution, these airports could serve as vital economic gateways for the states.

George Uriesi, former Managing Director of FAAN, defended state-built airports, arguing that with the right investments and management, airports could eventually become successful economic hubs. He pointed to Uyo’s airport as an example of an airport that overcame initial challenges to thrive, despite initial concerns that it would compete with nearby Calabar.

However, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, another former FAAN MD, questioned the wisdom of continuing to build airports that lack commercial viability. He suggested that the NCAA, FAAN, and the Ministry of Aviation need to collaborate to develop a strategic approach to address this issue.

Olumide Ohunayo, Secretary-General of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative (ASRTI), acknowledged the potential of airports to boost local economies but cautioned that governors are focusing too heavily on runway length and grandiose designs instead of addressing fundamental issues like sustainability. He suggested that governors should “start small” by building airports that can accommodate smaller aircraft and expand as demand grows.

Former Murtala Muhammed International Airport Commandant, John Ojikutu, criticized the NCAA for licensing airports without adequately scrutinizing their viability. He called for state governors to focus on improving existing airports before embarking on new ones, especially when passenger traffic in smaller airports remains low.

The construction of state-owned airports continues to be a contentious issue, with critics arguing that they divert resources from more urgent infrastructural needs. Aviation expert Chris Aligbe highlighted the case of Ebonyi State’s airport, which was built at great cost but remained unusable until a new governor allocated funds to repair the runway.

The ongoing construction of airports by state governments is raising alarms about misplaced priorities, with calls for a more focused and strategic approach to infrastructure development. As some states struggle with underutilized airports, others continue to push forward with plans for new projects. The question remains: are these airports truly the key to unlocking economic potential, or are they costly endeavors that will remain white elephants in the Nigerian landscape?