The Manager of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri, Dr. Nkechi Ihekwaba, has called on investors, airline operators, and individuals to capitalize on the rapid growth of the airport, emphasizing its investment potential. Speaking at the 2024 Aviation Business Summit and Expo in Lagos, Dr. Ihekwaba highlighted the airport’s capabilities, including its active apron, which accommodates four Boeing 737-800 series aircraft, and an extended apron that supports up to ten small-bodied aircraft at once. The airport also boasts category 7 Aerodrome Fire Fighting Services.
In her presentation titled “Investment Potential of the Airport,” Dr. Ihekwaba revealed that SMICA, the first community airport in Nigeria, records a monthly passenger movement of up to 62,000 during peak periods and 39,000 during off-peak seasons. She stated that the airport’s location in Imo State, rich in natural resources like solid, liquid, and gaseous minerals, positions it as a strategic hub for industrial and commercial activities in the region.
“SMICA is a viable airport that attracts significant traffic. Imo State and its neighboring communities have greatly benefited from the airport, which continues to drive economic growth in the region,” Ihekwaba said.
The airport’s terminal building, designed to handle 1,200 passengers, often processes up to 2,000 during peak periods. Dr. Ihekwaba also emphasized the importance of maintaining operational efficiency, noting that since her appointment, the airport’s maintenance culture has improved by 98%.
Currently, four airlines—Air Peace, United Nigeria, Green Africa Airways, and Aero Contractors—operate regular flights from the airport, with routes covering Owerri-Abuja-Owerri and Owerri-Lagos-Owerri daily. Dana Air, though temporarily suspended, also services the airport. SMICA records over 37 aircraft movements during political seasons, demonstrating its growing relevance as a transport hub.
Dr. Ihekwaba recalled that in 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan approved SMICA’s upgrade to an international cargo airport, leading to the construction of a cargo terminal with warehouse facilities. This upgrade aligns with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations and positions the airport to supply goods and services to nearly 50 million people in neighboring markets and major commercial hubs in the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria.
In addition to its operational growth, the airport recently won the “All Nigeria Airport Manager Business Forum Contest” at the 2024 Airport Business Summit and Expo in Lagos. Dr. Ihekwaba attributed this success to the collaborative efforts between airport management, airlines, and security agencies, which have fostered a safe, customer-friendly environment and zero incidents since her tenure began.
She also provided updates on ongoing projects, including the state-sponsored airfield lighting installation, which has been completed and awaits final approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Dr. Ihekwaba assured stakeholders that all abandoned projects are being revived to enhance the airport’s infrastructure further.
Since its inception, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport has been one of the fastest-growing domestic airports in Nigeria. Built through the communal efforts of the people of the former Imo State, now Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States, SMICA continues to play a pivotal role in regional development.
