The Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State has come under fresh scrutiny after a civil society leader alleged that a church now uses part of the facility as a worship centre.
Charles Otu, spokesperson for the Ebonyi Civil Society Coalition Group, made the claim during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday.
Otu also alleged that the airport currently has no commercial flight operations.
According to him, private chartered flights linked to Governor Francis Nwifuru and his wife are among the few flights using the airport.
He said the lack of regular commercial flights raises questions about the airport’s current purpose and level of activity.
The claim has sparked fresh attention because airports require significant public investment to build, operate and maintain.
However, Otu’s allegations have not, by themselves, established whether the airport has formally allowed a church to operate a worship centre at the facility.
The Chuba Okadigbo International Airport was named after the late Nigerian politician and former Senate President, Chuba Okadigbo. Its development formed part of efforts to improve air connectivity in Ebonyi State.
During the television interview, Otu appeared to suggest that the airport has not achieved the level of commercial activity expected from such a major infrastructure project.
“It is good you remembered the airport because I would have forgotten it,” Otu said during the programme.
Meanwhile, the allegations are likely to fuel further debate over the use of public infrastructure in Ebonyi State.
They also raise broader questions about airport operations, commercial viability and the management of public assets.
For now, the claims remain allegations attributed to the civil society group. A response from the Ebonyi State Government or relevant airport authorities would be needed to clarify the current status of commercial flights and the reported use of the facility.
