By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Lokoja – The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Finance, Hon. Idris Shuaib, has reaffirmed the Kogi State Government’s commitment to due process, international standards, and stakeholder collaboration in the execution of the Airport Project and other key infrastructure initiatives in the state.
Welcoming members of the Sukuk Project Monitoring Team and other stakeholders on Tuesday in Lokoja, Hon. Idris Shuaibu disclosed that a crucial stakeholders’ meeting was held in Abuja about two weeks ago, bringing together all partners involved in the Airport and International Market Project to properly familiarize themselves with the project environment and expectations and to opt for a non-interest financing for key infrastructure in the state.
He explained that extensive groundwork had already been completed.
These include feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and social responsibility assessments, all of which, according to him, fully comply with international standards.
Hon. Shuaib noted that these processes were deliberately undertaken to ensure sustainability, safety, and maximum benefits to the people of Kogi State and the North Central region at large.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Ododo, the state Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning emphasized that the projects are being executed solely for the socio-economic advancement of the people.
He added that transparency and accountability remain the guiding principles of the administration.
According to the Lead Engineer from the Kogi State Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Achem Enemakwu, the Airport Project has successfully passed the design stage and is now set for full construction, following the approval of the bidding process by the Kogi State Government.
Engr. Enemakwu, said the design of the airport was completed last year, while the bidding for construction is currently ongoing.
He revealed that Governor Ododo, has graciously approved the commencement process and made a budgetary provision of ₦50 billion for the Airport Project in the current fiscal year.
He further stated that the airport sits on a vast 4,000 hectares of land, with a two-year construction timeline, and expressed optimism that construction activities will commence as early as next month.
A team from One17 Financial Services Ltd, led by Senior Analyst Kamil Isah Shuaib, revealed that the collaboration between Kogi state government, his company and Ava Capital, aims to explore non-interest financing options, offering flexible and lower-rate funding structures.
He also noted that the presence of the Head of Sharia Advisory (Sukuk Bond) is to ensure the project’s compliance with non-interest standards, making it attractive to investors seeking long-term flexible financing options.
To access other infrastructures in the state, the Team also visited the International Market which currently under construction and where the Head of Sharia advisory (Sukuk Bond), Thanni Mustakeem expressed satisfaction with the job.
He stressed that with the commitment of the State Government, his company would be eager to partner.
The site Engineer handling the International Market, Engr Omojola Benjamin of SABC Ltd expressed satisfaction with the Team and promised to deliver within the timeframe of the project.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
