CHUKA UBAH
The Igbonine Great People’s Assembly Worldwide, IGPA, has called on the Federal Government and the Ministry of Aviation to slow down and open wider consultations before taking any major decision on the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
In a press statement signed by its National President, Dr. Ugochukwu Cyril Nnajiofor, and released on September 14, 2026, the group said it has been following recent reports around the airport with deep concern. According to IGPA, Akanu Ibiam is more than an aviation facility. It is the main gateway to the Southeast and a symbol of connection for millions of people at home and in the diaspora.
“Akanu Ibiam is not just an airport. It is our gateway. It is where our sons and daughters land when they come home. It is where our traders fly out to do business. It is where our sick are airlifted, and where investors first touch Igboland,” the statement read.
The Assembly said it is not opposed to development or investment in the airport, but stressed that any plan, including talk of privatization, must be handled with transparency and with the people carried along from the start.
IGPA raised three key questions it wants addressed before any next step is taken. First, it asked for clarity on timing and process. “Why now, and why this way? What is the real reason, and has it been explained to the people who use this airport daily?” the group asked. It noted that passengers, traders, airline staff, and host communities deserve clear information on the objectives, scope, and expected outcomes of any proposed arrangement.
Second, the group asked about benefits to the public. “Who benefits? Will it bring down airfares, create jobs for our youths, and improve service? Or will it just change hands behind closed doors?” IGPA said any new model must be measured by tangible results such as lower cost of travel, better facilities, improved safety, more routes, and direct employment opportunities for people in Enugu and the wider Southeast.
Third, IGPA asked for inclusion. “Where is our seat at the table? The Southeast has cried for fairness in infrastructure for years. Any decision about Akanu Ibiam must carry the voices of our governors, traditional rulers, market leaders, and the people.” The Assembly argued that airports are economic hubs that affect trade, health, education, and investment, and that local stakeholders understand the realities on the ground.
The group emphasized that it supports growth, but warned against decisions taken without dialogue. “We are not against development. But development without consultation is not development. It is imposition,” Dr. Nnajiofor stated.
To address these concerns, IGPA made a direct appeal to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Aviation. It urged authorities to pause current processes, publish full details of the plans, and convene meetings with Igbo stakeholders across sectors. The group listed governors of the Southeast states, traditional rulers, presidents-general of town unions, leaders of major markets, airline operators, aviation unions, and youth groups as key voices that should be part of the conversation.
“Please pause, consult, and carry us along. Publish the plans. Meet with Igbo stakeholders. Let the process be open,” the statement said.
IGPA also noted that public trust grows when information is shared early. Publishing the proposal, the expected investment, timelines, job projections, and service targets will help citizens understand the benefits and monitor progress, the group added.
In closing, the Assembly reminded the public that the airport belongs to everyone who uses it and to the communities around it. “Akanu Ibiam belongs to all of us. Let us build it together,” the statement concluded.
The press release ended with the group’s motto: Igbonine! Anyi bu ofu. “When one of us is affected, all of us are affected.”
Dr. Nnajiofor signed the statement “with respect” on behalf of the Igbonine Great People’s Assembly Worldwide.
