Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for strategic investments, particularly in the aviation sector.
Governor Otti disclosed this at Government House, Umuahia, on Tuesday, when he received in audience a delegation of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Skymaster Achievers International Services Limited, Mr Princewil Ogbonna and his team, alongside his partner and Vice President Sales & Marketing, ElectroAir, Mr. Aleksandr Skrebnev, who were in the state to explore opportunities in the state’s emerging aviation ecosystem.
He said the airport project had enjoyed tremendous support from the administration from inception, reflecting his vision of promoting integrity, transparency and excellence in governance.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commended the dexterity and commitment so far exhibited by the company in partnering the State Government, particularly in ensuring excellent services once the airport project is completed and commissioned, and noted that the establishment of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework was aimed at sustaining the investor-friendly environment created by his administration.
Dr Alex Otti expressed the State Government’s readiness to partner both Skymaster Aviation Services Group and its ally, ElectroAir of Estonia, to provide ground handling equipment for the soon-to-be-completed Abia Airport project.
The State Chief Executive, while stressing that his administration is deliberate in engaging credible partners capable of adding value to the state’s development aspirations, especially in critical sectors such as aviation, logistics and supply chain management, noted that the provision of ground handling equipment and other essential infrastructure remains crucial to the success of the aviation project.
Describing the proposed aviation and logistics hub to be established in the state as a potential game changer for trade and economic integration within the West African sub-region, Governor Alex Otti frowned at the challenges posed by current international trade routes, where goods destined for neighbouring African countries often transit through Europe, resulting in higher costs and delays, noting that a functional regional logistics network would significantly reduce freight expenses, improve the movement of goods and medical supplies as well as accelerate economic growth across Africa.
Governor Otti, while reassuring the delegation and other prospective investors that Abia is open for business, attributed the growing interest shown by foreign governments, development partners and international investors in Abia’s development trajectory to the reforms and enabling environment established by his administration, and also expressed optimism that the collaboration between ElectroAir, Skymasters, its partners and the state government will yield positive results.
He noted that the State Government is happy that the company is bringing on board something that every right-thinking administration would embrace wholeheartedly, reiterating that it is inconceivable to engage in aviation business without making sure that the ground handling equipment is put in place.
“And it’s quite a very pleasant news for us to see that there is a strong commitment from your (ElectroAir) own side, partnering with Skymasters to make a glistening hope.
“So I think that what you’re bringing on board is something that every right-thinking administration will jump at. And so I want to reassure you and indeed every serious-minded investor, that Abia is ready for business,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor further said that his government has put in place necessary structures to be able to drive the project, saying that what is attracting foreign investors to the State is already on ground in Abia.
“And, of course, we have also put in place structures to be able to drive this going forward. The PPP has been set up.
“And I do know that in the aviation industry, logistics and supply chain, of course, you cannot go into this sector without assuring that the ground handling equipment are put in place,” Gov. Otti stated.
In his speech, the Vice President, Sales and Marketing of ElectroAir OU, Aleksandr Skrebner, said their insistence on partnering the state is because they view Abia’s progressive industrial environment as the ideal foundation for a regional hub in aviation technology and manufacturing, adding that they are also evaluating the state and it’s new airport as the site for a pioneering ElectroAir Assembly and maintenance facility, which is the first of it’s kind in the nation.
He expressed his company’s interest in partnering with the Abia State government in the area of ground handling equipment, assuring of its readiness to create a hub in the airport project. Speaking further, “We already have a fleet of our equipment in Nigeria. Some hangars are already equipped with our ground support equipment. And we are not stopping. Some others are in the process right now,” he stated
Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of Skymaster Achievers International Services Limited, Mr Princewill Ogbonna, disclosed that the central objective of their visit is the proposed establishment of an ElectroAir Assembly and maintenance facility in the state, specifically at the new airport site, which has the potential to position Abia as a pioneering hub for aviation technology and advanced manufacturing in the nation, contributing to job creation, foreign direct investment and sustainable industrial growth.
He further commended Governor Alex Otti for his progressive leadership and strategic vision for the state and expressed confidence that the partnership will contribute meaningfully to the state’s long-term industrial and economic development agenda.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu; SSA on Transport, Dr Obiọma Nwogbe; DG PPP, Mr Chinedu Chijioke, among other top government officials, were present at the visit.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe; Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Coordinator of the Abia Airport Project, Pastor Okorougo Aji; the DG/CEO PPP, Mr Chinedum Chijioke and his management team were present during the visit.
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17 – 06 – 2026.
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