President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the construction of an international cargo airport in Kogi State, a project designed to enhance trade, attract investment, and generate employment. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Kogi International Cargo Airport, situated in Zariagi within the Adavi Local Government Area, took place on Tuesday.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo represented the President at the event. He stated that the facility is expected to improve Kogi's access to international markets and increase its appeal to investors. Keyamo also addressed criticism regarding the project, asserting that governments must establish necessary infrastructure to draw businesses and stimulate economic activity.
The minister indicated that the airport is projected to create between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for residents of the state. Governor Ododo added that the facility aligns with his administration’s strategy to expand the local economy by upgrading transportation networks and opening new avenues for commercial ventures.
Key sectors identified as potential beneficiaries include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, and hospitality. The governor highlighted that the airport would facilitate the easier movement of agricultural produce to markets both within Nigeria and abroad.
Commissioner for Works Momoh Salami Ozigi detailed the scope of the initial phase, which includes the construction of a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, aircraft parking facilities, drainage channels, perimeter fencing, and access roads. He noted that the runway is being designed to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation standards, allowing it to accommodate large aircraft such as Boeing 747s.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
