A number of state governments in Nigeria have invested significant amounts of public funds in airport projects that are being criticized as nonviable. Some stakeholders have condemned the state governors for what they see as wasteful spending and are calling for accountability. Suggestions have been made to repurpose these facilities into skill acquisition centers for the benefit of the public.
Despite the substantial investments made by states like Ekiti, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Yobe, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa into airport projects, many of these facilities have not attracted the expected commercial air traffic. Some industry experts have raised concerns about the financial burden these airports pose to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Several other state governments have also embarked on airport projects, with some remaining incomplete or abandoned. Critics argue that the focus on building new airports in regions with low travel demand is misguided and question the lack of proper planning and approval processes behind these projects.
Aviation professionals have weighed in on the situation, expressing concerns about the scale of these airport projects and the need for a clear business plan to justify such investments. Some have suggested converting these airports into skill acquisition centers or other public facilities that would be more beneficial to the community.
Opposition politicians have mocked the governors for their decisions to pursue these airport projects, arguing that the funds could have been better allocated to more pressing needs. While some state officials have defended the airports, others have acknowledged the criticisms and questioned the viability of these projects.
In conclusion, the debate over the viability and necessity of these state-funded airport projects continues, with calls for greater transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making in the allocation of public funds.