Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed confidence that the ongoing international airport project in Zariagi would have significantly advanced towards completion by 2027, projecting the facility as a major boost to investment, connectivity and economic growth in the state.
The Governor stated this on Tuesday during an inspection of the progress of civil works and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.
He identified the airport project as a strategic economic gateway capable of attracting investment, expanding commercial opportunities and strengthening connectivity between Nigeria’s major economic centres.
“So I can tell you, by next year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will fly in, landing in this airport to let people know that this is governance,” the Governor said, expressing optimism about the project’s readiness in 2027.
Gov. Ododo said the airport would strengthen Kogi’s strategic position as the gateway between the Federal Capital Territory and major commercial centres in the east, west, south and northern Nigeria opening opportunities for trade, logistics, tourism and private-sector investment.
Governor Ododo noted that the airport project, approved by President Tinubu earlier this year reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of Kogi’s infrastructure needs and the importance of improving connectivity across the country.
He also challenged critics who questioned the feasibility of the project to visit the site and assess the progress of ongoing construction.
“Please, I want them to come here to see things by themselves. It is not an AI thing. You can see the equipment working, and they are working day and night. We are not going to make noise about it; we invite them to come and see,” he said.
Governor Ododo said the government would continue to monitor the progress of construction to ensure that the project meets required standards and timelines, expressing optimism that the project would be nearing completion by next year.
The Project Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, Engr. Sun Yishi, said construction had reached approximately 20 per cent completion, with current activities focused on earthworks for the runway and associated safety areas.
He explained that the present phase of the project involved extensive excavation, filling, laterite placement and ground preparation ahead of subsequent pavement construction.
The lead consultant, Architect Adebayo Adidipe of Arcade Consultants Limited, estimated overall completion at 20 per cent so far.
Adidipe expressed confidence with the pace of the project and commended the support provided by Governor Ododo and other officials of the Kogi state government, noting that issues raised by the project team had received prompt attention.
The Kogi international airport which began earlier this year is funded by SUKUK bond at an estimated cost of 50 Billion naira and completion period of 24 months.
