President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his vision in initiating the Kogi International Airport project, describing it as a strategic investment that will deliver lasting economic benefits, create thousands of jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s connectivity.
The President, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, gave the commendation during the flag-off ceremony of the airport construction in Zariagi, Lokoja.
Keyamo said the airport had the potential to create between up to 3,000 jobs for Kogi indigenes, while stimulating economic activities in aviation, transportation, logistics, hospitality, tourism, agriculture and other sectors of the economy.
He commended Governor Ododo for recognising the economic opportunities presented by Kogi’s strategic location and pursuing landmark infrastructure project capable of positioning the state as an important centre for commerce and investment.
The Minister also noted that the policies of the administration of President Tinubu had provided subnational governments with the resources and enabling environment to undertake projects that contribute to national development.
He expressed confidence that the airport would attract investments and open up Kogi to greater economic opportunities, urging the contractor to ensure quality and timely delivery of the project.
He also appreciates the Zariagi community and traditional rulers for supporting the project.
Governor Ododo said the International airport would put Kogi on the global map by connecting the state to new markets, attracting international investment and providing access to its agricultural and solid mineral resources.
“An international airport is an economic gateway. It creates opportunities across several sectors, including aviation, hospitality, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and commerce. It attracts businesses, facilitates the movement of people and goods, and opens new channels for investment. It will also create direct and indirect employment for our people, particularly our young men and women,” the Governor said.
He acknowledged support for the project by President Tinubu declaring: “This is not a product of Artificial Intelligence. This is real! This is the reality you get when you have a President who is committed to development!”
Governor Ododo said the airport project is part of a wider development vision involving the Kogi Rebrand Initiative, Lokoja Ultra Modern Market, proposed Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone, agro-processing initiatives, road infrastructure among other anchored on the state’s 32-Year Development Plan.
He assured that the project would meet the required aviation safety and regulatory standards, while inviting investors to explore opportunities in cargo handling, warehousing, logistics, aviation services, hospitality, tourism and industrial development.
He also urged residents and stakeholders to protect the investment and support its successful completion.
The General Manager of CCECC, Henry Shao, assured the state government of the company’s commitment to successful delivery of the project on schedule.
The flag-off covers Phase One which includes Airside and Landside Civil Works, comprising a 3,600-metre-long, 60-metre-wide runway designed to International Civil Aviation Organization standards and capable of accommodating Boeing 747 and other wide-body aircraft; a 3,600-metre parallel taxiway; and a 200,000-square-metre aircraft apron with capacity for 10 aircraft’s.
Other components include runway safety areas, blast pads, drainage infrastructure, provisions for future night operations, perimeter fencing, preparation of over 400 hectares of land and a nine-kilometre dual carriageway linking the airport to the Lokoja–Okene Federal Highway.
