Kogi Governor Launches Zariagi International Airport Project

On Wednesday, Kogi State Governor Ahm Usman Ododo officially launched the Zariagi International Airport project, handing the contract to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Gamji Nigeria Limited during a ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja. Governor Ododo described the airport as a legacy initiative that reflects his administration's commitment to economic transformation and regional connectivity.

He acknowledged the approval of the project by the federal government, led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing Kogi State's historical significance in Nigeria's aviation sector. The proposed airport will serve as a strategic alternative to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, alleviating congestion and improving travel access for investors.

The project is expected to unlock vast economic opportunities in mining, agriculture, and trade, generating employment across the state. Victor Atuluku, the Commissioner for Transport, noted that the airport project is under extensive planning and design, with completion expected within the 2025 fiscal year.

The airport will feature a 3.6-kilometer runway and is designed to accommodate large aircraft, including heavy cargo planes.