Ebonyi Air: Residents Question Alleged ₦50bn Aircraft Acquisition

Six months after Governor Francis Nwifuru publicly announced the purchase of three aircraft under the “Ebonyi Air” initiative, neither planes nor an official accounting of the N50bn reportedly spent have surfaced, sparking an outcry from the state’s residents

The announcement by the Ebonyi State Government six months ago that it had procured three aircraft under its Ebonyi Air Initiative was widely welcomed in some quarters as a major step toward creating jobs, attracting investment, and boosting the state’s economy.

However, six months later, allegations surrounding the alleged disappearance of the N50bn reportedly earmarked for the acquisition of the aircraft, the government’s silence over the project, and the absence of any official update on the whereabouts of the aircraft or the status of the deal have continued to generate reactions among political observers and residents within and outside Ebonyi State.

Rather than delivering the promised economic benefits, including increased employment opportunities and investment, the project has become the subject of growing public scrutiny. Critics, including opposition figures, social media commentators, and some aviation analysts, have questioned the transparency of the initiative and are calling on the state government to provide a detailed account of the project and clarify the status of the aircraft acquisition.

Apparently following the example of neighbouring Enugu State, whose governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, launched Enugu Air in July 2025, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru announced on January 1, 2026, that his administration had procured three aircraft.

Delivering his New Year address during a statewide broadcast from Abakaliki, the governor said the aircraft would arrive in the state before the end of January 2026.

He said, “Reliable air transport makes it easier for investors to do business, for professionals to move in and out of the state, and for our people to connect with other parts of the country and beyond.

“Ebonyi Air will support business growth, encourage tourism, and reduce the time and cost of travel. It will also strengthen Ebonyi’s position as a state that is ready to engage with the wider economy and attract new opportunities.

“By improving connectivity, we are creating conditions that support trade, investment, and job creation, while making our state more accessible and competitive.”

As of Wednesday, July 1, 2026 — six months after the announcement — the whereabouts of the aircraft and the status of the funds reportedly allocated for their purchase remain unclear, with many residents calling on the government to provide answers.

On Wednesday, social media commentator and public affairs analyst Nwoba Nwoba, in a post on his Facebook page, questioned the fate of the aircraft, describing them as “unseen purchased aircraft” and raising concerns over what he alleged to be a lack of transparency in the execution of the project.

Reacting to the development, Nwoba alleged that N50bn had been earmarked and released by the Ebonyi State Government in August 2025 for the establishment of Ebonyi Air.

According to him, the funds were allegedly entrusted to an individual from Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of the state, popularly known as “Mmiri,” to acquire aircraft for the proposed airline.

He claimed, “N50bn was earmarked and released by the current Ebonyi State Government for the acquisition of aircraft in August 2025 for the setting up of Ebonyi Air. The money was released to a young man from Isu, Onicha LGA of the state who is doing street business in Malaysia and popularly called Mmiri. He went to China to buy five pre-owned aircraft for the State Government. He returned and told the governor that he fell into the wrong hands and was scammed. He didn’t buy even one aeroplane. The N50 billion was gone just like that.

“Ask about the man called Mmiri in Isu. Just inquire about him. How could Mmiri play this fast one without the knowledge of the governor? Was it possible? Imagine awarding a contract of this nature to a street hustler in Malaysia just because he gave you financial support in 2022. Very unfortunate.”

Nwoba further alleged that the failed transaction was responsible for the government’s inability to launch the proposed airline.

He said, “That was how Gov. Nwifuru wasted Ebonyi people’s N50 billion last year on one failed deal. That’s why he didn’t float the airline any longer. This is a calamity you want me to praise? N50 billion is capable of bringing back many Abakaliki indigenes doing menial jobs in other states and empowering them with skills after proper training. This is the second time I’m making this revelation. The first was in October last year when it allegedly happened.”

Another social media commentator, Prince Anyigor Methuselah Maduabuchi, also questioned the alleged disappearance of the billions, arguing that it was economically unwise for the state government to venture into the airline business in the first place.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, Maduabuchi said the money could have been better invested in sectors capable of stimulating the state’s economy.

He said, “First, it is economically unwise to think of purchasing aircraft worth N50bn for a poor state like Ebonyi. The governor publicly stated on New Year’s Day that the aircraft would arrive in Ebonyi within two weeks. Yet, from January till now, there has been no official update. I believe the governor owes the people an explanation.”

He argued that investing the funds in agriculture would have yielded greater economic benefits.