FIC REPORT (KOGI STATE) – The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of the Kogi State International Cargo Airport at Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, in a major infrastructure initiative expected to boost economic activities, attract investment and create between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, described the airport project as a significant step towards national economic revival, noting that aviation remains a critical driver of development.
Represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the President said the project would place Kogi State among states with international airport facilities and put Zariagi on the global aviation map.
He added that the airport would stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity and create employment opportunities for thousands of Kogi indigenes, both directly and indirectly.
Tinubu commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his visionary leadership and commitment to transforming the state through strategic infrastructure development.
He also appreciated the people of Zariagi and the host community in Adavi LGA for making their ancestral land available for the project, describing their contribution as an important sacrifice towards the economic future of the state.
In his address, Governor Ododo said the construction of the international airport marked a decisive step towards opening Kogi State to the world and converting its enormous economic potential into sustainable prosperity.
Thirty-five years after the creation of our dear state, we are taking a decisive step towards converting our enormous potential into lasting economic strength.
“This airport will connect our people to new markets, attract investment, facilitate trade and create opportunities for generations yet unborn.
“It is a moment of pride and fulfilment, and a bold declaration that Kogi is ready to take its rightful place in the emerging economy of Nigeria and the wider world. This is the Confluence of Opportunities we promised our people,” he said.
The governor noted that Kogi’s geographical advantage, mineral resources, agricultural potential and strategic location made the construction of an international airport imperative.
He described the airport as an economic gateway that would strengthen the state’s position in aviation, transportation, logistics, tourism, agriculture, hospitality and commerce.
Ododo particularly acknowledged President Tinubu’s support, saying his administration’s belief in the development of Kogi had provided the necessary backing to transform the airport vision from aspiration into reality
According to him, the President understands that the true value of natural resources lies in the economic opportunities they generate for the people.
He said the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda was repositioning the Nigerian economy, strengthening infrastructure and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
The governor explained that Kogi’s location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory and its borders with several states offered enormous opportunities for trade, transportation, logistics and investment
He said the airport would help the state maximise these advantages and translate them into measurable economic benefits.
On agriculture, Ododo said Kogi’s production of cashew, cassava and other agricultural commodities would receive a major boost through improved transportation and cargo-handling facilities.
He explained that the airport would provide farmers and agro-processors with better access to national and international markets, strengthen agricultural value chains and encourage processing, packaging and export activities.
The governor also identified the state’s solid mineral deposits, including iron ore, limestone, coal, marble, gold and lithium, as major economic assets that could attract industries and investment when properly harnessed.
He said the airport, alongside otherencourage processing, packaging and export activities.
The governor also identified the state’s solid mineral deposits, including iron ore, limestone, coal, marble, gold and lithium, as major economic assets that could attract industries and investment when properly harnessed.
He said the airport, alongside otherinfrastructure projects, would improve access to the state and make it easier for investors, technical experts and business operators to explore its economic opportunities.
Ododo further linked the project to his administration’s broader development agenda, which includes the Kogi Rebrand Initiative, Lokoja Ultra-Modern Market, proposed Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone, agro-processing initiatives and ongoing road infrastructure projects.
He said the state’s 32-Year Development Plan provided a framework for building a prosperous, competitive and sustainable economy.
The governor also recalled the historical significance of Lokoja in Nigeria’s aviation development, noting that the project would build on the state’s aviation heritage and position it for a more prominent role in national and international transportation.
He assured that his administration would work closely with the Ministry of Aviation and relevant regulatory authorities to ensure that the airport met international standards of safety, security, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Ododo called on investors and business leaders to take advantage of the opportunities the project would create, particularly in cargo handling, warehousing, logistics, aviation services, hospitality, tourism and industrial development.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Atuluku Levi, described the groundbreaking ceremony as the beginning of a new chapter in Kogi’s development aspirations.
He said the airport would position the state as an emerging economic hub, attract investors, expand businesses and create employment opportunities, assuring that the government remained committed to its timely completion.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Mr.Mohammed Salami Ozigi Deedat, described the airport as an economic strategy aimed at moving Kogi from a predominantly civil-service economy to a more diversified and productive one.
He said the state’s strategic position at the centre of Nigeria made the airport a critical gateway to economic prosperity.
Deddat disclosed that the groundbreaking marked the commencement of Phase One, covering airside and landside civil works.
Giving details of the technical specifications, he said the runway would measure 3,600 metres in length and 60 metres in width, designed in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and capable of accommodating Boeing 747 and other wide-body aircraft.
He explained that the runway would have a 1.2-metre-thick pavement structure comprising selected layers, including 500mm reinforced concrete rigid pavement with an asphalt overlay.
The runway would also feature shoulders, blast pads and a 240-metre Runway End Safety Area (RESA) at both ends to enhance operational safety, according to him.
He added that the project would cover other essential airside, landside and external infrastructure required for efficient airport operations.
The commissioner urged the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, to ensure that the project is executed in accordance with international standards, stressing that quality must not be compromised.
In his remarks, the General Manager of CCECC, Henry Shuo, described the groundbreaking as a major milestone and assured the state government of the company’s commitment to delivering the project.
He said that when completed , the airport would improve regional connectivity and support economic development, pledging that the contractor would work towards meeting the government’s expectations.
Maryam Abubakar Gulma
CIPRO
Federal Information Centre Lokoja
10th November 2026
