The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved the purchase of aircraft for the smooth takeoff and services at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke in Ezza South local government area of the State.
Reading the letter of Governor Francis Nwifuru during its plenary, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa highlighted the importance of floating fully state-owned airline in ensuring maximal operations at the airport.
Moving a motion for the approval, the leader of the House and member representing Afikpo North West State Constituency, Hon Kingsley Ikoro said that with Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in operation, it will not be proper if the state do not have any aircraft but only await the services of aircrafts from other parts of the country.
Seconding the motion, the member representing, Izzi East Constituency, Hon Goodluck Mbam described the Governor’s request as a wise decision that would not only boost the operations of the airport but as well generate more revenue to the state.
The House also approved the revenue recovery from utility infrastructure, telecom tax within Ebonyi State and proposal from the state government to secure a contract finance facility.
Also approved was the request by the state government for the engagement of Boards Ltd as a consultant to Ebonyi State government on NG-CARE Programme.
The lawmakers maintained that for the engagement of Quintix Consultancy Services, Ebonyi State stands the chance to maximise the revenue recovery from telecom taxes within the state.
The Speaker explained that the NG-Cares Programme in the state has performed below capacity as a World Bank Assisted Federal Government Programme, saying there is an urgent need to engage a consultant to make it viable.
After the debate, members unanimously adopted the requests from Governor Nwifuru on their importance and benefits through voice votes.
Subsequent upon the passage, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Uche Edene to write a memo conveying the approval of the House to the governor.
