The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for approving the establishment of an Air Force base and special training centre in the state, describing the development as a major milestone in strengthening security within Abia and across the South-East region.
Governor Otti made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Umuahia. The delegation was led by the Air Officer Commanding the Ground Training Command, Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde.
The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on expanding the presence of the Nigerian Air Force in the state, particularly in connection with the ongoing Abia Airport project and the establishment of a Special Forces training facility.
During the meeting, Governor Otti approved the allocation of 100 hectares of land within the Abia Airport project site for the Nigerian Air Force to establish its training base. The approval came in response to a request by the Air Force for additional land to expand its planned operations.
Initially, the state government had allocated 50 hectares for the project. However, after reviewing the Air Force’s plans for the facility, the governor agreed to double the land allocation to ensure the base has sufficient space to accommodate its training and operational needs.
Governor Otti assured the Air Force delegation that the Abia State Government remains fully committed to working closely with the military to ensure the success of the project.
“We are going to work with the team to see how we can, at the minimum, increase the space to at least 100 hectares,” the governor said.
“You can take it for granted that you have at least 100 hectares of land in that place.”
He noted that strengthening security remains a top priority for his administration and that collaboration with the armed forces is essential to achieving that objective.
The governor also assured the Air Force that the state government would facilitate the swift issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) for the land allocated for the base.
According to him, the state has streamlined its land documentation processes to support development projects and encourage institutional investment.
He explained that the Certificate of Occupancy for the Air Force land would be processed and delivered within 30 days, ensuring that the project can begin without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
Governor Otti emphasised that his administration is determined to remove administrative bottlenecks that could slow down strategic development initiatives, particularly those that contribute to security and economic growth.
The governor also disclosed that the Administrative Office Complex currently being constructed for the Nigerian Air Force in Umuahia is nearing completion.
He revealed that the project is expected to be completed before the end of April, noting that the state government has directed the contractor handling the project to ensure timely delivery.
According to Otti, the government wants the facility ready ahead of a planned visit by the Chief of Air Staff, who is expected to inspect the project and other security-related infrastructure in the state.
The governor stressed that the state government remains committed to providing the necessary infrastructure that will enable the Nigerian Air Force to operate effectively in Abia.
Speaking further during the meeting, Governor Otti also provided updates on the ongoing Abia Airport project, which is being developed through a partnership between the state government and the Federal Government.
He explained that the Abia State Government is responsible for constructing the airport runway and perimeter fencing, while the Federal Government will undertake the construction of the terminal building and other key facilities.
The governor expressed optimism that the runway component of the airport would be completed soon.
“We expect the runway to be ready very soon,” he said.
“Once the runway is operational, other components of the airport can follow gradually.”
He added that discussions are ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to ensure that the remaining components of the airport project are completed on schedule.
Governor Otti described the airport as a strategic infrastructure project that will enhance connectivity, attract investment, and boost economic development in the state and the wider South-East region.
Earlier in his remarks, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde commended Governor Otti for his administration’s proactive support for security agencies operating in the state.
He noted that available intelligence and security reports across the South-East region indicate that Abia State currently enjoys a relatively higher level of stability compared to several other states in the region.
According to him, this achievement is largely attributable to the governor’s deliberate efforts to strengthen cooperation between the state government and security agencies.
“As the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command in Enugu, I receive daily security reports across the South-East states,” he said.
“Comparatively, Abia State is well ahead of other South-East states.”
He added that the security situation in the state did not improve by chance but is the result of strong leadership and deliberate policy actions.
“Abia is standing out, and I cannot but agree that this does not happen accidentally,” he said.
“It must be the result of proactive leadership and serious support for security agencies.”
Air Vice Marshal Kehinde also disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff is interested in significantly expanding the Nigerian Air Force presence in Abia State.
He revealed that the Air Force is planning to establish a Special Forces Training Centre at the Abia Airport site.
According to him, the centre will serve as a specialised training facility where Air Force personnel will receive advanced training in special operations, jungle warfare, and tactical combat operations.
The training centre, he said, will help improve operational readiness and enhance the military’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
He added that the facility would not only benefit Abia State but would also strengthen security across the entire South-East region.
The Air Force commander also praised the Abia State Government for its support in renovating key facilities used by the Nigerian Air Force in Umuahia.
He noted that the administrative headquarters and residential quarters for officers and airmen have recently undergone significant renovation.
According to him, the facilities are now modern, well-equipped, and capable of supporting efficient military operations.
He said the improvements demonstrate the state government’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with the Nigerian Air Force and supporting the welfare of military personnel stationed in the state.
Air Vice Marshal Kehinde further disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff is planning to visit Abia State in the near future.
The visit, he said, will allow the Air Force leadership to personally inspect the facilities being developed and express appreciation to the Abia State Government for its support to the military.
He added that the visit will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and the state government in the area of security.
Several senior government officials were present during the courtesy visit.
They included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), as well as the Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Chukwunonye Alajemba.
Other top officials of the Abia State Government also attended the meeting.
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation between the state government and the Nigerian Air Force in order to enhance security and promote stability in Abia State and the wider South-East region.
