Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Benin City, Nigeria — The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has openly criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo and his administration’s plan to establish a state-owned airline, describing the initiative as ill-timed, unrealistic and disconnected from the pressing needs of Edo residents. The opposition party’s condemnation comes amid escalating discussions between the state government and the federal aviation authorities over the proposed project.
Governor Okpebholo recently met with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja to advance plans for what is being referred to as the “Edo Air” initiative — a proposed indigenous airline expected to operate from Benin Airport as part of broader efforts to boost economic activity, improve connectivity and attract investment to the state. Supporters argue the move could stimulate tourism, trade and job creation if effectively implemented.
However, in a statement issued by Dan Osa-Ogbegie, Publicity Secretary of the Edo State PDP, the party said the airline proposal represents “a textbook example of misplaced priority” by a government that it believes is out of touch with the urgent socio-economic realities facing residents. The PDP noted that Edo State is contending with widespread infrastructure deficits — including deteriorating roads, inadequate drainage systems and faltering municipal services — and argued that investing scarce resources in a capital-heavy aviation project is neither practical nor responsible under current conditions.
The opposition party also criticised what it described as stalled key strategic initiatives and public assets in the state that require immediate attention. These include the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), the Radisson Hotel project, the Ossiomo Power project and the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), which the PDP said are critical to economic growth and revenue generation but have not been effectively managed or completed. According to the PDP, prioritising an airline over these fundamental sectors reflects a lack of development focus and economic judgment by the administration.
Edo PDP maintained that running an airline is inherently capital-intensive and technically demanding, citing the historical challenges sub-national governments face in sustaining such ventures without continuous subsidies and specialised expertise. The party argued that current conditions in Benin City — which it said has suffered from urban decay — make it premature to pursue a state-owned airline while basic infrastructure and services remain inadequate.
“Infrastructure deficits, chaotic public transport, overstretched healthcare facilities, dilapidated schools and fragile security should take precedence over grandiose aviation projects,” the PDP statement said, urging the governor to reallocate focus and resources toward interventions with direct and broad-based impact on Edo citizens. Areas flagged for priority include road rehabilitation, urban renewal, reliable power and water supply, small and medium-enterprise support, and youth employment programmes.
Governor Okpebholo’s engagement with the Aviation Ministry has emphasised partnerships with potential investors, including talks with foreign firms willing to supply aircraft and technical backing, as part of efforts to accelerate the establishment of the airline. Federal officials have reportedly set up a technical committee to facilitate planning, regulatory compliance and coordination for the prospective project.
Supporters of the initiative contend that an Edo-based airline could reposition Benin as a regional aviation hub and unlock economic opportunities. They point to historical precedents, such as Benin Airport’s importance during the era of the now-defunct Okada Air. Federal aviation authorities have expressed interest in revitalising the sector and strengthening regional connectivity.
Despite these arguments, the PDP’s criticism reflects broader political and public scepticism about whether the state is ready for such an ambitious project. The debate has highlighted contrasting views on development priorities — with opposition stakeholders stressing immediate infrastructure and service delivery needs, while proponents focus on potential long-term economic diversification.
The controversy over the proposed state airline is unfolding against the backdrop of rising public demands for improved urban services and economic stability in Edo State, and the political stakes are likely to remain high as discussions about the project continue.
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