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…not just a second airport
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
A renowned architect and urban development expert, Arc. Chukwudi Ezenwa, has described the proposed Anambra Aerotropolis as a visionary economic development initiative that will transform Anambra State into a major industrial, commercial and logistics hub, stressing that the project should not be viewed merely as the construction of a second airport.
Ezenwa said the Aerotropolis concept represents a modern model of development where an airport serves as the nucleus of a thriving economic city, attracting industries, manufacturing companies, logistics operators, commercial enterprises, technology firms and investors.
Ezenwa who disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists said the project is designed to stimulate economic growth, create thousands of jobs, increase internally generated revenue, attract foreign direct investment and position Anambra as one of Nigeria’s leading destinations for business and commerce.
He noted that many people have misunderstood the initiative by reducing it to the construction of another airport, whereas the airport is only one component of a much broader economic master plan.
“The Anambra Aerotropolis is far more than a second airport. It is a new industrial and commercial city that will redefine the economic future of the state. The airport is simply the catalyst that will drive industrialization, commerce, logistics, manufacturing and global investment,” Ezenwa explained.
He stated that modern airports across the world have become centres of economic activities, giving rise to airport cities where businesses, hotels, warehouses, factories, convention centres, residential communities and commercial establishments flourish around aviation infrastructure.
Ezenwa said the proposed development would integrate aviation, transportation, industrial production, agriculture, trade and real estate into one coordinated ecosystem capable of accelerating economic development.
He explained that the project would significantly reduce transportation costs for manufacturers and exporters while providing seamless connectivity for businesses operating within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, Anambra’s strategic location in the South-East makes it ideally positioned to become a logistics gateway for the region, serving neighbouring states and boosting regional trade.
He added that the Aerotropolis would provide opportunities for agro-processing industries, export-oriented manufacturing, cargo services, e-commerce logistics, hospitality businesses, financial institutions and technology companies.
Ezenwa further observed that the development aligns with global best practices where governments use integrated airport cities to diversify their economies and reduce dependence on traditional revenue sources.
He expressed confidence that the project would encourage both local and international investors to establish industries and commercial enterprises in the state, thereby creating sustainable employment opportunities for thousands of young people.
He also emphasized that the development would stimulate massive infrastructure expansion, including new road networks, rail connectivity, housing estates, industrial parks, business districts, power infrastructure and modern public utilities.
“The economic benefits will extend beyond Anambra State. The Aerotropolis will serve as a regional growth centre, attracting investments and facilitating trade across the South-East and beyond,” he said.
Ezenwa urged stakeholders, investors and the people of Anambra State to embrace the initiative, describing it as a long-term investment in the state’s economic future.
He maintained that successful implementation of the project would place Anambra among Africa’s emerging investment destinations and significantly enhance its competitiveness in manufacturing, logistics, commerce and international trade.
According to him, the vision goes beyond aviation infrastructure to creating an integrated economic city where industries, businesses, investors and residents can thrive in a modern, well-planned environment.
He concluded that if properly executed, the Anambra Aerotropolis would become one of Nigeria’s most transformative infrastructure projects, laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth, industrial expansion and shared prosperity for generations to come.
