The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN has flagged off “the construction of the Kogi International Cargo Airport in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, describing the project as a major step towards opening the state to global investment, trade and sustainable economic growth.”
A statement by the Kogi State Government said, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ably represented at the groundbreaking ceremony by the Minister Keyamo who applauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to infrastructure development.
Minister Keyamo said that “the project would place Zariagi and Kogi State on the global aviation map and serve as a precursor to lasting economic opportunities.” Noting that, “once completed, the airport would receive recognition through the International Air Transport Association (IATA), enhancing the state’s visibility and economic relevance.”
The Minister projected that “the facility would generate between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for residents. He dismissed criticisms of the project, arguing that strategic infrastructure must be built to attract businesses rather than waiting for investors to arrive first.”
Governor Ododo described the ceremony as “a landmark moment in Kogi’s infrastructure and economic history. He said the airport is a signature project that will transform the state into a strategic transportation, aviation, commercial and logistics hub.”
“It is a moment of pride and fulfilment and a bold declaration that Kogi is ready to take its rightful place in the emerging economy and the wider world,” Governor Ododo said.
Governor Ododo noted that “Kogi is richly endowed with solid minerals and produces significant quantities of cash crops and other agricultural commodities. The airport, he added, would give farmers and agro-processors improved access to national and international markets.”
Kogi State’s Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi outlined “the scope of the first phase, which includes a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads. The runway will meet International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and accommodate wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747.”
Commissioner Ozigi described the airport “as part of a broader strategy to move Kogi beyond a civil service-based economy towards greater industrial and commercial development.”
Managing Director of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Henry Shuo expressed “appreciation to the Kogi State Government for the confidence reposed in the company and assured that it would deploy its experience and technical expertise to deliver the project to international standards.”
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje expressed support “for the project and reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions to initiatives that promote development and improve the welfare of the people.”
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, political leaders, legislators, technocrats, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, featured cultural displays by various groups.
