FEC Approves N34.5bn Airstrip Project in Benue State

On Monday, during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State, at a cost of N34.5 billion. The project aims to strengthen security operations in the North Central region and improve access to communities frequently affected by banditry and kidnapping.

The absence of an airstrip has hindered the rapid deployment of security personnel and emergency response teams. The airstrip will enable the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Festus Keyamo, to commence work on the project, which includes constructing landing facilities to support military and humanitarian operations.

Additionally, the airstrip will enhance the response capabilities of security agencies and emergency medical services, particularly in evacuating victims of attacks. The council also approved road projects worth N3.933 trillion across the country, including N15 billion for the Yola-Fufor-Gurin road in Adamawa State and N15.23 billion for the rehabilitation of the Ibadan-End Lagos expressway.