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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has moved closer to actualising his administration’s plan to establish a state-owned airline, Edo Air, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Express Airline Co. Ltd and KDN Aero for technical and operational cooperation towards the proposed carrier’s take-off.
The agreement, signed at Government House, Benin City, marks another stage in the state government’s efforts to establish an airline that would operate from Benin Airport, improve air connectivity, attract investment, create employment opportunities and reposition the state as an aviation and commercial hub.
The latest development follows earlier engagements with the Federal Government and prospective South African investors, which culminated in the establishment of a technical committee by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in January 2026, to coordinate regulatory compliance, operational planning and other requirements for the proposed airline.
Okpebholo, who signed the agreement with representatives of the Chinese airline led by its President, Shansheng Li, expressed satisfaction with the company’s operational capacity and technical expertise, declaring that Edo Air would commence operations soon.
The governor said the agreement represented the beginning of a longer relationship with the Chinese partners, stressing that the state government was determined to translate the understanding into practical steps towards establishing the airline.
“We have signed the MoU, and this is the first part of it. We will continue to build on it.
“A presentation was made, which was very beautiful and wonderful. We have seen your capability, and we are ready to do business with you. By the grace of God, Edo Air will be in the airspace very soon. So, we are in partnership with you,” he said.
The agreement follows the governor’s earlier visit to Keyamo in Abuja, during which he sought Federal Government support for the establishment of a state-owned carrier and disclosed ongoing discussions with South African investors willing to provide aircraft and technical assistance.
During the January meeting, Okpebholo had emphasised the urgency of establishing the airline, describing aviation as an important component of his administration’s economic development programme.
The Aviation Minister subsequently constituted a technical committee to facilitate coordination between the state government and federal aviation authorities, with responsibility for operational planning and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Keyamo also recalled the historical significance of Benin Airport, particularly during the operations of the defunct Okada Air, expressing optimism that the airport could regain its position as an important aviation centre.
Giving details of the processes leading to the latest agreement, the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the governor approved a seven-member delegation to China on September 14, 2026, to identify and assess prospective technical and operational partners for Edo Air.
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Ikhilor, who led the delegation, said the team included the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa; the Accountant-General, Julius Anelu; and the Chief Aviation Consultant to the Edo State Government, Captain Nuhu Musa, alongside other government officials and aviation experts.
According to him, the delegation visited China Express Airline and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), a major aircraft manufacturer, to examine their capabilities and explore opportunities for cooperation.
He explained that the delegation was particularly impressed by China Express Airline’s operational infrastructure, flight-monitoring systems and technical expertise, which informed its decision to recommend further engagement with the company.
Ikhilor recalled that during the visit to the airline’s headquarters, the delegation inspected a flight-monitoring control centre equipped with a large screen displaying aircraft movements across China.
He disclosed that the monitoring system had already recorded 192 flights by 10 a.m. on the day of the visit, describing the development as an indication of the scale of the airline’s operations.
The SSG said the facilities inspected and discussions held with the company’s management convinced the delegation that China Express possessed the technical and operational capacity to support Edo State’s proposed airline.
He expressed optimism that the MoU would provide the framework for further negotiations and concrete arrangements towards the establishment of Edo Air.
At the signing ceremony, Li presented a model aircraft to Governor Okpebholo as a symbol of the proposed partnership, while Tianzhi Chen, identified as Managing Director of the other aviation partner, briefed the gathering on the Chinese delegation’s operational capabilities and areas of possible cooperation.
The agreement comes amid renewed national discussions over the development of indigenous airlines and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in domestic and international aviation.
On Tuesday, the Senate called for a review of Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement with China to ensure reciprocal flight rights for Nigerian airlines, while also urging the Federal Government to explore the establishment of a viable national carrier rather than revive the controversial Nigeria Air project.
The lawmakers maintained that stronger indigenous aviation capacity and improved access to international routes were necessary to support trade, investment and economic development.
The Edo Air initiative, however, remains a separate state-led project, with its eventual commencement of operations dependent on the conclusion of commercial arrangements and compliance with applicable aviation regulations.
The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa; Chief of Staff, Yakubu Musa; Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor; and other senior government officials.
