Twist in regional competition as new airport opens in Anambra

Side view of Anambra International Cargo Airport terminal.
Anambra State has set a national record in on-time delivery and sole funding of an International Cargo Airport. Now at stake is its ambitious plan to be the hub for regional air cargo, in rivalry with the likes of Asaba, Enugu and Owerri airports. Stakeholders said the new entrant should be taken seriously.

Anambra International Cargo Airport (AICA) has been a long arduous journey of over two decades. And when last Friday came, sightseeing residents had less difficulty coping with the deplorable Federal highway from Awka to Awkuzu, inwards Umueri where the airport finally sits.

Thorough profiling at entry gates by men of the Nigerian Army did little to deter the large turnout. They kept coming in droves. And when the sprawling infrastructure came into full glare, many forgot the long wait and hours in the scorching sun.

At 2:45 p.m., an Air Peace Boeing737 aircraft touched down the centre line of the sprawling runway. The large audience at the foot of the apron erupted in awe and wild jubilation. And when the aircraft came to a halt, hundreds of jubilant audience breeched through security barriers, raced down the landing wheels to have a memorable feel of the airplane – the first to land in Anambra. They have been waiting for 30 years!

“This is a great day for the entire Ndi Anambra,” an excited High Chief said. “We have been waiting for so long. When Obiano said it, we didn’t believe him because other governors before him said the same thing. Last month, they told us the airport was ready. I said how can that be? Just like that? I thought it was a lie. Today, it is true.”