Hon. Blessing Onuh Secures House Approval for Revival of Ohimini–Otukpo Airstrip

 

The House of Representatives has adopted a motion sponsored by Hon. Blessing Onuh, calling for the immediate revival and construction of the long-abandoned Ohimini–Otukpo Airstrip in Benue State to strengthen national security, humanitarian operations, and agricultural logistics in Nigeria’s North-Central region.

The motion, considered on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, noted that the federal asset has remained abandoned for decades, exposing the vast expanse of land to illegal encroachment and land grabbing.

The proposed airstrip, located on Plot No. 299/OJ-OT at Ojali, was originally approved in 1972, with its Certificate of Occupancy issued to the Federal Ministry of Aviation. Following the creation of Ohimini Local Government Area in 1996 from the old Otukpo Local Government Area, the project site now falls within Ohimini LGA.

The House also recalled previous efforts to revive the airstrip in 2019 through the intervention of the late former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and the then Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Rtd.), which unfortunately did not materialise.

Lawmakers stressed that restoring the airstrip has become a strategic security priority, noting that a functional Nigerian Air Force operational base in the area would significantly improve rapid response to banditry, violent attacks, and other security threats affecting communities across Benue State.

To ensure the project is implemented, the House resolved to:

* Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Air Force to undertake an immediate joint inspection of the Ojali site and prepare a comprehensive implementation plan for the revival of the airstrip.
* Direct relevant authorities to engage with Ohimini youths, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to resolve outstanding compensation issues and secure community support.
* Call on the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Air Force to establish an operational liaison framework that will integrate the airstrip into Nigeria’s national security, humanitarian response, and agricultural logistics systems.
* Mandate the House Committee on Aviation to ensure adequate funding for the airstrip’s revival is included in the 2027 Federal Budget.

Speaking on the importance of the project, Hon. Blessing Onuh said the revival of the historic airstrip would enhance military operations against insecurity while unlocking Benue State’s enormous agricultural potential by improving connectivity and transportation.

She maintained that the project would serve as a catalyst for economic growth, improve emergency response capabilities, and contribute significantly to the overall development of Benue State and the North-Central region.