By Haruna Abdulkerim
Lokoja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday flagged off the construction of the Kogi International Cargo Airport in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, with the Federal Government projecting that the project will generate between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who represented President Tinubu at the event commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for initiating the project.
Keyamo said the airport would place Zariagi on the global aviation map, improve Kogi State’s economic visibility and strengthen its capacity to attract international investment.
He disclosed that the location had been recognised within the global aviation system through the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“Today, as from today, this village called Zariagi will be on the global aviation map.
“Everywhere you have an airport in the world, you give it a global code.
“As from today, Zariagi has a code in the global aviation world through the International Air Transport Association, IATA,” Keyamo said.
The minister also dismissed criticisms surrounding the establishment of the airport, arguing that governments must provide critical infrastructure to attract businesses and investments rather than waiting for investors to arrive before developing the necessary facilities.
He projected that the Kogi International Cargo Airport would create between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents.
Keyamo urged the host community and other stakeholders to support the project to ensure its successful implementation.
Earlier, Governor Ododo described the groundbreaking as a significant milestone in the state’s economic transformation.
He noted that the airport would strengthen Kogi’s position as a centre for commerce, transportation, logistics and investment.
According to the governor, the project would open up opportunities across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and other sectors.
He particularly highlighted the potential benefits of the cargo facilities for farmers and agro-processors, who could gain improved access to national and international markets.
“Kogi State produces significant quantities of cashew, cassava and other agricultural commodities.
“With improved transportation and cargo-handling facilities, our farmers and agro-processors will have better access to national and international markets,” Ododo said.
The governor also called on investors and business leaders to explore the opportunities expected to emerge from the project, assuring them that Kogi State was open for business.
He appreciated President Tinubu for his support and acknowledged the Federal Government’s cooperation in advancing infrastructure development across the country.
Providing details of the proposed infrastructure, the Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, described the airport as an economic strategy aimed at moving Kogi beyond its traditional civil service-based economy towards industrial and commercial development.
Ozigi explained that the first phase of construction would cover major airside and landside infrastructure, including the runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads.
He disclosed that the runway would measure approximately 3,600 metres and be constructed in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
According to him, the runway would be designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 747 aircraft.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Atuluku Levi, described the groundbreaking as the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s economic transformation, improved connectivity and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Henry Shuo, expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Government for entrusting the project to the company.
He assured the government that CCECC would deploy its technical expertise and experience to ensure the successful execution of the airport project.
Representing traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, expressed support for the development and reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions to initiatives that promote economic growth and improve residents’ welfare.
The ceremony attracted government officials, members of the legislature, traditional rulers, heads of institutions, political leaders and other stakeholders.
Credit – Inside story
(vitalnewsngr.com)
