A white elephant in the sky? Questions about Edo State’s aviation project

The recent announcement by the Edo State Government about its partnership with an aviation company to assemble light aircraft and train Edo citizens as mechanics and pilots has drawn widespread attention. At first glance, this development appears ambitious and forward-thinking. However, a closer examination reveals several concerning gaps in its details and viability.

The project, announced by Governor Monday Okpebholo, involves the construction of an aircraft assembly plant in Benin City, alongside commitments to fund training for citizens in aviation-related fields. While investment in Edo is always welcome, this announcement raises more questions than answers—questions that must be addressed to ensure this is not yet another flashy but hollow initiative.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the state government and the unnamed aviation company is shrouded in opacity. Key details—such as the financial obligations of the state, the projected cost of the assembly plant, and the expected economic returns—have not been disclosed. Is this MOU legally binding, or is it merely a ceremonial gesture? Without answers, it is difficult to assess the feasibility or sustainability of this project.

The individuals leading this initiative inspire little confidence. Chris Odia, identified as the CEO of the aviation company, lacks a track record of investments in aircraft assembly or aviation expertise. There is no public record of his involvement in projects of this magnitude. Similarly, Donovan Lombard, the project’s pilot, is currently known only as a flight instructor. His credentials, while respectable, do not suggest experience in establishing large-scale aviation projects.

These profiles raise a critical question: are these the right people to lead a project of this complexity, or is this an ill-conceived venture relying on untested actors?

Even if the assembly plant becomes operational, its market potential remains questionable. Who are the guaranteed buyers for these light aircraft? In Abuja, a Hungarian aviation company has already secured a deal with the Federal Government to assemble the Magnus Centennial Aircraft, complete with seed funding and guaranteed offtake agreements with institutions like the Nigerian military and aviation colleges. In contrast, the Edo State project appears to lack a clear business case or identified demand.

Moreover, while the project promises to reduce unemployment, it seems far removed from the state’s pressing economic needs. With Edo grappling with widespread poverty, would investment in agriculture, infrastructure, or tech hubs not yield more immediate and transformative benefits for the people?

This aviation project was not part of the governor’s campaign promises, nor does it address the root causes of unemployment in Edo State. It has the hallmarks of a white elephant—a shiny distraction that drains resources without delivering meaningful change.

Furthermore, this announcement adds to concerns about the government’s opaque approach to governance. Similar questions linger over the awarding of contracts for the Ramat flyover and the actual cost of that project. If the government is serious about transparency, it must disclose the full details of these commitments made on behalf of Edo citizens.

While it is important to support innovation and attract investment, such projects must be rooted in transparency, accountability, and a clear economic rationale. The aviation factory proposal currently fails these tests. It risks becoming a costly experiment at the expense of addressing Edo’s deeper socio-economic challenges.

The people of Edo deserve more than flashy announcements. They deserve projects that are well-planned, thoroughly vetted, and aligned with their immediate needs. Until the government provides clear answers, this aviation project will remain a source of skepticism rather than pride.

Capt. Abiemwense Adolor writes from Benin