President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the Kogi International Cargo Airport in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, describing it as a step toward attracting investments and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, representing the President, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday.
He emphasised on the importance of infrastructural development which according to him must precede businesses to attract investments rather than waiting for investors to arrive before developing necessary facilities.
According to the minister, the project has already placed Zariagi and Kogi State on the global aviation map through an official International Air Transport Association (IATA) code.
The Federal Government projected that the facility will generate between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for residents.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, revealed that the first phase will feature a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, an aircraft parking apron, and perimeter fencing. He stated that the runway is designed in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards to accommodate wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747.
The State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo described the airport as a strategic investment to diversify the economy of the state away from traditional civil service dependence. He emphasised that the cargo facility will benefit farmers and agro-processors by providing them access to national and international markets.
The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, and political leaders, with the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, pledging the full support of traditional institutions.
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