By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq.
The expansion of Ibom Air has provided a compelling example of how strategic government investment can contribute to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry, offering valuable lessons for Delta State as it considers new pathways for economic growth and human-capital development.
The airline recently took delivery of its third Airbus A220-300 aircraft in Mirabel, Canada, on August 26, 2026, bringing its fleet to 10 aircraft. The development reflects the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Government to improving air connectivity, modernising its fleet and strengthening indigenous aviation capacity.
https://globaltimesnigeria.com/2026/09/02/ohimegye-igu-demands-urgent-repairs-lokoja-abuja-highway/
Ibom Air’s growth is particularly instructive because the airline is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government. Its fleet currently comprises seven CRJ900s and three Airbus A220-300 aircraft, while its domestic and regional network continues to expand.
The experience demonstrates that public ownership can contribute meaningfully to aviation development when combined with professional management, operational efficiency, commercial discipline and a clear strategic direction.
For Delta State, the development presents an opportunity to reconsider the place of aviation within its broader economic agenda.
With the strategic importance of Asaba International Airport and Delta State’s economic potential, aviation could be more deliberately integrated into the state’s development strategy, particularly within the human-capital objectives of the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The state could begin by investing in young people who aspire to careers in aviation.
The career progression of Captain Ruth Adebanwo, Chief Pilot of Ibom Air, and Captain Imoleayo Adebule of Aero Contractors, demonstrates the professional possibilities available to Nigerian women in aviation.
Young girls in Delta State should therefore be encouraged to view aviation as more than an occupation. It can become a pathway to professional excellence, technical expertise and economic independence.
One practical intervention would be the establishment of a structured aviation human-capital development programme for suitably qualified young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30.
Beneficiaries could receive support for approved aviation training, progressing from ab-initio training towards a Commercial Pilot Licence, including Night and Instrument Ratings, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
However, the proposed programme should not be limited to pilots.
Aviation requires aircraft maintenance engineers, avionics specialists, flight dispatchers, safety professionals, air traffic management personnel and airport operations specialists.
Delta could therefore develop a comprehensive aviation skills programme capable of producing a broad range of professionals for Nigeria’s growing air transport industry.
There is also room to examine whether Delta State should participate directly in airline operations.
Such a decision, however, should not be based merely on political enthusiasm. A comprehensive feasibility and bankability study would be necessary to examine passenger demand, routes, fleet requirements, leasing or acquisition options, maintenance, insurance, fuel costs, foreign-exchange exposure, airport charges and regulatory obligations.
If government eventually decides to participate in airline operations, commercial viability, corporate governance and safety must remain central considerations.
The lesson from Ibom Air is therefore not that Delta should simply copy Akwa Ibom.
Rather, Delta should study what has worked and develop a model suited to its own economic circumstances.
https://punchng.com/how-i-made-n10m-monthly-from-akara-business-akwa-ibom-gov
A coherent aviation strategy could combine airport infrastructure, human-capital development, airline connectivity and technical skills acquisition.
With the right policies, Delta State can prepare its young people for the future of aviation while contributing skilled professionals to Nigeria’s air transport industry.