Following the takeover of Chuba Okadigbo International Airport built by the Ebonyi State government, the Federal Ministry of Aviation said it would refund the state government for the cost of construction.

The Ministerial team of the federal government was at the airport to evaluate the worth of the Chuba Okadigbo’s airport for possible refund

The ministerial team leader, Mr. Sunday Ibe, representing the Federal Ministry of Aviation said: “Chuba Okadigbo’s airport is one of the best in the country.”

He noted that the team came here to evaluate the worth of this airport and know the value of whatever has been put in place noting that we have experts; Quantity surveyors, estate surveyors, Accountancy, NIMET, NAMA, FAN, and so on.

His words “And we are going to be fair and just in our evaluation because the fact speaks for itself. The job done here is standard and of high quality.

“We assure the state, that it’s not only what they have on the paper, but we also access what is on the ground. And for every kobo spent on this airport, we will make sure that we evaluate them so that the refund will be worth it.

“Airport takeover by the federal government are in stages, FEC has approved the takeover. And so, we have FEC approval. The only thing left is for us to refund Ebonyi state government. We don’t know the amount until we finish our evaluation. And that is the time we will the amount involved.”

Responding on behalf of Ebonyi State government led by governor Francis Nwifuru, the Commissioner of aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to repay the state the cost of construction of the Chuba Okadigbo international airport.

She said that the governor has judiciously utilized the little resources we have in Ebonyi state to come up with that runway adding that he has tirelessly made sure that this Chuba Okadigbo’s international airport is put in use.

“Like he (governor) told you (Federal government delegation) if he refused to work on the airport or abandon it, what conscience will he have in the future,” Obichukwu said.

“You are here as professionals, and I plead with you to temper your real humane justice unto us and give us what is right. We have made proposals to the federal government and if we relinquish this outfit, we should have something commiserate with what is on ground.”