Gov. Otti Approves Land For Air Force Base As Abia Airport Runway Nears Completion

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved 100 hectares of land within the Abia Airport Project site for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to establish a training base in the state.

Governor Otti granted the approval on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command, led by its Commander, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde, at the Government House.

The Air Force had earlier requested an expansion of the 50 hectares of land initially earmarked for the training base at the airport project site. Responding to the request, Governor Otti assured the delegation that the state government was ready to allocate at least 100 hectares to support the establishment of the facility.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for approving the establishment of a base in Abia State, particularly within the premises of the ongoing Abia Airport Project.

He also assured that the airport runway would soon be completed, explaining that the project is a joint partnership between the Abia State Government and the Federal Government.

According to him, the Abia State Government is responsible for constructing the runway, while the Federal Government is handling the airport terminal building.

“We expect the runway to be ready very soon, while the airport terminal will come in as time goes on,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor further directed that the contractor handling the renovation of the Air Force office in Abia State be placed under pressure to complete the work before the end of April. He said the move would enable the Chief of Air Staff to officially commission the facility.

Governor Otti also urged the Nigerian Air Force to continue supporting his administration in the fight against crime and criminality in Abia State, adding that his government has improved land administration processes.

He disclosed that the state now processes Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) within 30 days, a major improvement from the delays experienced in the past.

Earlier in his remarks, the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde, commended the security situation in Abia, noting that the state currently stands out among others in the Southeast.

He attributed the improved security to the proactive efforts of the Abia State Government and its support for the military and other security agencies.

Kehinde also disclosed that the proposed expansion of land would allow the Nigerian Air Force to establish a larger operational facility, including a Special Forces Training Centre for jungle warfare operations.

According to him, the training centre would significantly enhance operational readiness and strengthen security not only in Abia State but across the wider region.

He also appealed for the quick processing of the Certificate of Occupancy for the allocated land to enable the Air Force incorporate the proposed facility into its operational plans.

Top government officials present during the visit included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Chukwunonye Alajemba, and other senior officials.