Recent discussions surrounding the ongoing project have highlighted widespread misconceptions regarding the concept of an Aerotropolis City, which Governor Soludo is presently developing in the state.
An aerotropolis is a metropolitan subregion that revolves around an airport, characterized by infrastructure, land use, and an economy tailored to aviation-dependent commercial, industrial, and logistics facilities. Furthermore, it integrates urban living spaces that must be meticulously designed to unlock the model’s full potential as appealing environmental and social realms.
Governor Soludo’s project encompasses not only the development of the aerotropolis but also the establishment of the Anambra Mixed Industrial City within the same zone.
This well-planned project, designed by the French firm Artelia Constructing Engineering, necessitated an extensive search for a vast land area that could accommodate such projects without issues of erosion or flooding.
Consequently, the administration acquired 6,000 hectares for this purpose and ensured the proposed industrial city and aerotropolis would operate as a special economic zone, obtaining approval from the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Despite this forward-thinking initiative, some are questioning the necessity of a second airport. However, planning ahead is crucial, particularly considering Anambra’s dense population and limited land space, which will only become more challenging as the population grows.
As the second most densely populated state in Nigeria after Lagos, many cities in advanced nations host more than two airports, it is noteworthy that Lagos state initiated the construction of a second airport in the Lekki Lagos new economy zone due to the challenges faced by Lagosians in accessing Ikeja airport, a project that commenced during Fashola’s administration but was not achieved.
The current governor of Lagos has revived this dream. The issue at hand is the cost and space required for Lagos to achieve the second airport, which Governor Soludo aims to prevent in Anambra state.
The Anambra Mixed Industrial City is now the new economic zone in Anambra, similar to what Lekki economic zone represented for Lagos state.
The strategic location of the aerotropolis in the new economic zone, centrally positioned in the southeast region and sharing boundaries with Imo, Abia, and Enugu states, underscores its potential for regional benefit, much like the Asaba airport benefits neighboring towns in Anambra state, the zone also host six high institutions Federal polytechnic Oko, Federal College of Education Umunze, Peter’s University Achina, Transatlantic University of medicine and Health Sciences Umuchukwu, AndyFlorence University Ezinifite Aguata and ongoing Anambra state University of medicine and health sciences at Isuofia .
Governor Soludo is building significant legacy projects that will ensure his lasting impact on history, and he is determined to achieve them; all he needs is our full support.
Anambra will continue to win
Written by Anambra 1st Son TV
