The dream of establishing a state-owned airline in Edo State has received a major boost, with Governor Monday Okpebholo signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Express Airline Co. Ltd and KDN Aero, in a landmark development that signals a new dawn for the state’s aviation sector.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday at the Government House, Benin City, marks a significant milestone in the Okpebholo administration’s bold vision to reposition Edo as a thriving hub of economic prosperity, connectivity and investment, with the proposed Edo Air expected to open new frontiers of opportunities for the state.
The development is widely regarded as a major breakthrough in the governor’s determination to expand Edo’s economic horizon, strengthen its transportation infrastructure and place the state on the map of emerging aviation destinations in Nigeria.
With the signing of the MoU, the wheels have been set in motion for the actualisation of Edo Air, a project envisioned to enhance air connectivity, stimulate commercial activities, attract investors and create employment opportunities for the people of the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Okpebholo expressed optimism that the proposed airline would commence operations soon, describing the agreement as the foundation of a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership.
The governor said his administration had carefully assessed the technical expertise and operational capacity of the prospective partners and was convinced of their ability to contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the ambitious aviation project.
“We have signed the MoU, and this is the first part of it. We will continue to build on it.
“We have seen your capability, and we are ready to do business with you. By the grace of God, Edo Air will be in the airspace very soon. So, we are in partnership with you,” Okpebholo said.
The governor’s commitment to the project underscores his administration’s determination to translate its development aspirations into tangible realities, while leveraging strategic international partnerships to accelerate Edo’s economic transformation.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the agreement was the culmination of a comprehensive fact-finding mission to China undertaken by a seven-man delegation on September 14, 2026, following the governor’s approval.
Ikhilor, who led the delegation, explained that the mission was designed to identify credible technical and operational partners with the requisite expertise to drive the establishment and sustainable operation of the proposed Edo Air.
The delegation comprised the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa; Accountant-General, Julius Anelu; Chief Aviation Consultant to the Edo State Government, Captain Nuhu Musa; and other government officials and aviation experts.
During the visit, the delegation inspected the facilities of China Express Airline and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), China’s leading aircraft manufacturer, with a view to assessing their capacities and exploring viable areas of collaboration.
According to Ikhilor, China Express Airline emerged as a particularly compelling partner following the delegation’s inspection of its facilities and operational systems.
He said the delegation was deeply impressed by the airline’s sophisticated flight-monitoring situation room, equipped with a giant screen tracking flight movements across China, with 192 flights already recorded by 10 a.m. on the day of the visit.
The SSG noted that the airline’s operational infrastructure, technical competence and engagements with its management further strengthened the delegation’s confidence in its suitability as a strategic partner for the proposed Edo Air.
He expressed optimism that the signing of the MoU would pave the way for further engagements and concrete actions towards the commencement of operations of the state-owned airline.
The partnership, if successfully translated into full operational reality, is expected to usher in a new chapter in Edo’s economic development, with the potential to improve business travel, facilitate tourism, enhance trade and deepen the state’s integration into Nigeria’s aviation network.
At the ceremony, the President of China Express Airline, Shansheng Li, presented a model aircraft to Governor Okpebholo as a symbolic gesture of the emerging partnership, while the Managing Director of KDN Aero, Tianzhi Chen, delivered a presentation highlighting the airline’s operational capacity, technical expertise and capabilities.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; SSG, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa; Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Musa, JP; Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor; and other top government officials.
The signing of the MoU represents a significant step towards the realisation of Edo Air and a bold statement of the Okpebholo administration’s ambition to open new economic frontiers for the state.
For Edo, the proposed airline is more than a transportation project; it is a strategic investment in the future, a symbol of renewed ambition and a potential catalyst for economic growth, enhanced connectivity and greater prosperity.
As the partnership unfolds, the prospect of Edo Air taking to the skies brings renewed hope that the state is steadily positioning itself for a new era of development and economic advancement.
