The Abia State Government has approved an additional 50 hectares of land to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), bringing the total allocation to 100 hectares, to facilitate the establishment of a new Air Force base and a special training centre at the Abia Airport project site.
Governor Alex Otti made the announcement on Tuesday, March 10, when he received a delegation from the NAF Ground Training Command, led by Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Kehinde. The delegation requested the expanded land allocation to accommodate the planned base and training facilities.
Governor Otti explained that the Abia Airport is a joint venture between the state and federal governments, with the state handling the runway and the federal government overseeing the terminal. He expressed gratitude to the Air Force for approving the base and assured that the airport runway would soon be ready.
“We expect the runway to be completed very soon. I want to thank the Nigerian Air Force for the approval to set up a base in Abia and for agreeing to establish a training ground at the airport site,” he said. “You can take it for granted that you now have at least 100 hectares of land for this project.”
The governor also urged the NAF Commander to continue supporting the state in efforts to combat crime and strengthen security. He further promised that the contractor handling the renovation of the Air Force office in Abia would be pressured to complete the work before the end of April, allowing the Chief of Air Staff to take delivery of the facility.
Air Vice Marshal Kehinde praised Abia State for its proactive approach to security, noting that it is ahead of other South-East states. He highlighted the progress of the ongoing office renovations and accommodation facilities for officers and airmen.
The Air Force official explained that the additional land would enable the development of a larger facility, including a proposed Special Forces Training Centre for jungle warfare operations. He said the centre would enhance operational readiness and strengthen security across the state and the wider region.
Kehinde also requested the prompt issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the allocated land, stressing that it is essential for incorporating the proposed facility into NAF’s operational plans.