Furore as 15 States Spend N301 Billion on Underutilized Airports Across Nigeria

No fewer than 15 states in Nigeria have collectively expended a staggering N301 billion on airports that have consistently failed to meet the required yearly passenger traffic, according to investigations by Vanguard.

These airports, constructed by state governments, are underutilized, with many recording minimal daily flights or even solely relying on sporadic chartered flights. The airports have been a subject of public concern, as they have been considered unsustainable ventures.

Nigeria currently boasts 31 airports, with many of them managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as reported by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Of these, around 15 airports were built by state governments since 1999. The list includes airports such as Asaba Airport, Mohammed Buhari Airport (Ebonyi), Akwa Ibom Airport (Uyo), Bayelsa International Airport, Ogun Cargo Airport, MKO Abiola International Airport (Osun), Ekiti Cargo Airport, and more.

These state-owned airports, once handed over to FAAN for management, have placed an immense financial burden on the agency, as they often fail to generate sufficient revenue. Director-General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, expressed concerns over these airports’ lack of profitability, stating that some of them have as few as one or two flights per week.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, also highlighted the commercial non-viability of many state-built airport facilities. He noted that some airports require substantial monthly maintenance costs, yet serve only a limited number of passengers, making them financially unsustainable.

In a worrying financial trend, FAAN primarily relies on Lagos airports to generate the bulk of the funds needed to operate all the airports in Nigeria, including those constructed by the states. Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, confirmed that about 60% of FAAN’s revenue comes from Lagos.

The construction of these state-owned airports has been plagued by controversy, with accusations of embezzlement and misappropriation of funds by state governors. For instance, the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, is currently facing allegations of embezzlement related to the construction of the Gusau International Cargo Airport. Despite such controversies, state governors continue to embark on airport construction projects, further straining their resources.

Over the last 15 years, nearly N301 billion has been spent on these airports, a significant amount in the context of dwindling resources and financial challenges faced by the nation.

Many aviation experts and industry stakeholders have voiced their concerns about the sustainability and necessity of these state-owned airports. They argue that while Nigeria does need more airports to enhance connectivity and development, the current scale of construction is unsustainable. Instead, they call for better planning, investment in essential infrastructure, and more strategic placement of airports to serve the broader needs of the population.

It is clear that the issue of state-owned airports in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires careful consideration by relevant authorities to ensure that resources are used effectively and that airports contribute to the nation’s development rather than drain its finances. The current financial challenges faced by FAAN and the ongoing construction of state-owned airports underline the need for a more strategic and sustainable approach to aviation infrastructure in Nigeria.