Alex Otti Has Brought More Money Than the Federal Government” — Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo
This statement is not just about politics; it is about vision, commitment, and what can happen when leaders decide to invest in transformational infrastructure.
Many people may not know that the Federal Government’s original plan for Nsulu was simply to build a basic airstrip. It was never designed to become the modern aviation hub that is currently taking shape today.
However, Governor Alex Otti reportedly approached President Bola Tinubu and offered to provide substantial counterpart funding to upgrade the project beyond its original scope.
The result?
✈️ Longer and stronger runways.
✈️ Capacity to accommodate large cargo aircraft.
✈️ Improved aviation infrastructure.
✈️ Greater economic opportunities for Abia State and the entire Southeast.
Because Abia State assumed responsibility for some of the most expensive and specialized aspects of the construction, the state’s financial contribution reportedly moved faster than the Federal Government’s phased budget releases. This was what led Festus Keyamo to publicly acknowledge the significant role being played by the Abia State Government.
This is the type of development Ndi Igbo have been asking for.
For too long, the Southeast has relied almost entirely on Lagos ports and airports for trade and transportation despite being one of the most commercially active regions in Africa. Every day, thousands of businessmen and women from the Southeast travel long distances to move goods and conduct business.
Imagine what will happen when the Southeast has modern airports, functional seaports, industrial clusters, and efficient rail networks.
✅ More investments.
✅ More jobs for our youths.
✅ Faster movement of goods.
✅ Increased exports.
✅ Stronger regional economy.
✅ Reduced pressure on existing infrastructure elsewhere.
Infrastructure is not a luxury; it is the foundation of economic prosperity.
The Nsulu Airport project is a reminder that when leaders think beyond the present and invest in the future, entire generations benefit.
Today, it is an airport.
Tomorrow, it should be railways.
Next, seaports.
Then industrial parks and technology hubs.
This is the kind of project the Southeast needs—not projects that make headlines for a few days, but projects that create jobs, attract investors, and transform lives for decades.
A prosperous Southeast will not be built by speeches alone. It will be built by bold infrastructure projects that unlock the potential of our people.
