President Bola Tinubu has officially commenced the construction of the Kogi International Cargo Airport located in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area. The President described the project as a strategic move to draw in international investors and accelerate the state’s economic development.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday and commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to infrastructure development.
Keyamo said the project would place Zariagi and Kogi State on the global aviation map, adding that the airport would enhance the state’s economic relevance.
He dismissed criticisms of the project, arguing that infrastructure should be provided to attract businesses rather than waiting for investors to arrive before developing the necessary facilities.
According to him, the airport is expected to generate between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for residents.
Earlier, Ododo described the project as a milestone in the state’s economic transformation, saying it would strengthen Kogi’s position as a hub for commerce, transportation, logistics and investment.
He said the airport would create opportunities in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, particularly by improving farmers’ access to national and international markets.
The Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, said the airport was part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy beyond its traditional dependence on the civil service.
He said the first phase would include a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads.
According to him, the runway will meet International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and accommodate wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 747s.
The Managing Director of CCECC, Henry Shuo, whose company is handling the project, pledged to deploy its technical expertise to ensure successful completion.
What You Should Know
The federal government has started building a new cargo airport in Kogi State to turn the area into a major hub for trade and transport. This facility is designed to handle large aircraft like the Boeing 747 and will focus on moving goods rather than just passengers.
- Job Opportunities: The project is expected to create between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for local residents during and after construction.
- Boost for Farmers: With a dedicated cargo hub, local farmers can more easily transport their produce to national and international markets, reducing waste and increasing profits.
- Investment Attraction: The government argues that building this infrastructure is essential to convince big businesses to set up factories and offices in Kogi State.
- Modern Facilities: The first phase will include a massive 3,600-metre runway and specialized parking areas for planes, aimed at diversifying the state’s economy beyond the civil service.
