FG Approves New Private Airport For Akwa Ibom Oil & Gas Free Zone
Federal Government Approves New Airport Project for Akwa Ibom
Private Passenger and Cargo Facility Planned for Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone
THE Federal Government has approved the development of a new private passenger and cargo airport within the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, in a move expected to strengthen logistics, industrial operations and export activities in one of West Africa’s largest oil and gas investment corridors.
Information obtained from aviation and Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) sources indicates that the proposed airport will serve both passenger and cargo operations, providing direct aviation support for businesses operating within the industrial zone.
The project is expected to complement the growing infrastructure network being developed to support manufacturing, petrochemical production and international trade in the area.
Sterling Petrochemical to Drive Project
According to sources familiar with the development, Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizers Limited, the core operator of the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, will finance and develop the airport in partnership with an international aviation company.
The proposed partnership is expected to oversee the construction, operation and long-term management of the airport, working alongside the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure regulatory compliance and operational standards.
Industry observers say the project reflects increasing private-sector participation in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure development.
Supporting Industrial Expansion
The Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone has emerged as one of Nigeria’s largest industrial investment destinations, attracting substantial investments in petrochemicals, fertiliser production, manufacturing and related industries.
Officials familiar with the project estimate that the free zone has already attracted more than 22 foreign companies, with cumulative investment commitments reportedly exceeding $17 billion.
The planned airport is expected to provide faster movement of personnel, industrial equipment and export cargo while enhancing the competitiveness of businesses operating within the zone.
Airport to Complement New Seaport
Industry stakeholders believe the airport will work alongside the recently completed seaport at the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, creating an integrated logistics network capable of handling both maritime and air transportation.
Analysts say the combination of airport and seaport infrastructure could significantly reduce logistics costs, improve export efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional industrial and energy hub.
The integrated transport facilities are also expected to improve access for investors and support future industrial expansion.
Public-Private Partnership Model
The Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone operates under a public-private partnership involving the Federal Government, the Akwa Ibom State Government and Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizers Limited as the principal operator.
The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority serves as the Federal Government’s regulatory agency overseeing operations within the free zone.
If implemented as planned, the airport would represent another major addition to Akwa Ibom’s growing transport infrastructure and reinforce ongoing efforts to diversify Nigeria’s industrial and export economy.
