President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the Kogi International Cargo Airport in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, with the project expected to create between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, describing the airport as a major step towards attracting global investment, expanding trade and driving economic growth in Kogi State.
Keyamo commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising infrastructure development, saying the project would place Kogi on the global aviation map and create new economic opportunities.
He added that the airport, upon completion, would receive recognition from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), boosting the state’s visibility and economic relevance.
Governor Ododo described the project as a landmark investment that would transform Kogi into a major transportation, aviation, commercial and logistics hub.
He said the state’s agricultural and solid mineral resources would benefit from improved access to national and international markets, particularly for farmers and agro-processors.
The Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, said the first phase of the project would include a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads.
He explained that the runway would meet International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and accommodate wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 747 planes.
Ozigi added that the airport formed part of the state government’s strategy to diversify Kogi’s economy beyond dependence on the civil service and promote industrial and commercial development.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Henry Shuo, assured the state government of the company’s commitment to delivering the project in line with international standards.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, also expressed support for the project, pledging the backing of traditional institutions for initiatives aimed at promoting development and improving residents’ welfare.
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