Dr. Alex Nwuba, head of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, clarified that the Anambra State government is developing an expansive economic city known as the Anambra Aerotropolis Export Free Trade Zone, rather than a secondary passenger airport. Located in Orumba North, the project is designed as a multimodal logistics hub that integrates air, rail, road, and water transportation to boost local manufacturing and trade.
Nwuba explained that the site serves as an industrial engine for the South-East, providing essential infrastructure for businesses like Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and the Nnewi auto parts cluster. By focusing on cargo and international logistics, the development aims to reduce dependence on transport hubs in Lagos and Port Harcourt. This strategic move is intended to handle increasing global e-commerce and regional trade growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
Addressing concerns about the project’s necessity, Nwuba noted that comparing it to the existing Chinua Achebe International Airport is misleading, as the two serve different functions. The new city relies on a large land bank specifically acquired for industrial growth, whereas the current airport location faces topographical and land-use limitations. While the economic potential is significant, Nwuba emphasized that the project’s success hinges on disciplined execution, stable power supply, and the ability to attract major industrial tenants rather than merely the completion of the physical structure.