FG flags off Kogi airport project, targets 3,000 jobs

The Federal Government has flagged off construction of the Kogi International Cargo Airport, a project expected to generate between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area.

Keyamo said the airport would position Kogi State as an emerging aviation and logistics hub, attract global investment and strengthen its economic relevance.

He defended the project against criticism, arguing that governments must provide essential infrastructure to attract businesses rather than wait for investors before developing facilities.

The minister commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising infrastructure development, describing the airport as a major step towards expanding economic opportunities in the state.

Ododo said the project would boost Kogi’s potential in commerce, transportation, logistics and investment, while opening up opportunities in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality.

He added that the airport would improve farmers’ access to national and international markets.

The Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, said the project was part of the state government’s plan to diversify the economy beyond its traditional dependence on the civil service.

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He said the first phase would feature a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads.

According to Ozigi, the runway would comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and accommodate wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 747s.

The Managing Director of CCECC, Henry Shuo, whose company is handling the project, pledged to deploy its technical expertise to ensure its successful completion.