FG Flags Off Construction of Kogi International Airport, Says Project Will Create 3,000 Jobs

TweetPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, broke ground on the Kogi International Airport in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, a project officials say will open the state to trade and investment.

Tinubu, who was represented at the ceremony by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, said the airport would create between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.

He said Zariagi would be assigned a code by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), putting the village on the global aviation map. He dismissed criticism of the project, arguing that governments must build major infrastructure to attract investors rather than wait for businesses to arrive first.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo said the airport would strengthen the state’s position as a centre for commerce, logistics and investment, with benefits for agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality.

He said the cargo facilities would give farmers and agro-processors better access to national and international markets, noting that Kogi produces significant quantities of cashew and cassava.

Ododo thanked Tinubu and the federal government for their support and urged investors to take advantage of the project, saying the state was open for business.

Works Commissioner Momoh Salami Ozigi said the first phase would cover the runway, taxiways, an aircraft parking apron, drainage, perimeter fencing and access roads. The runway will be about 3,600 metres long and built to International Civil Aviation Organization standards to handle wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747, he said.

Ozigi described the airport as a strategy to move Kogi away from an economy reliant on the civil service toward greater industrial and commercial activity. Transportation Commissioner Atuluku Levi called the groundbreaking the start of a new chapter of economic transformation and connectivity.

Henry Shuo, managing director of CCECC, said the company would deploy its experience and technical expertise to complete the project. The article does not say whether CCECC is the main contractor.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, speaking for traditional rulers, said the institutions he represents backed the project and initiatives that promote development.

The ceremony was attended by government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, heads of institutions and political leaders.

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