Kogi State gains Federal approval for International Airport project in Zariagi

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has given the green light to the Kogi State Government’s plan to construct an international airport in Zariagi.

This milestone was confirmed by Kogi’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, who announced that approval came via an official letter dated October 9, 2024.

According to Mr. Fanwo, the Usman Ododo administration is dedicated to completing the airport promptly while meeting all regulatory standards. The project aims to serve Kogi State and 10 neighboring states, easing congestion on the Lokoja-Abuja road and reducing traffic at Abuja’s International Airport. The Kogi airport promises to be a significant infrastructure boost, enhancing regional connectivity and transportation.

“The Ododo Administration has considered it a top priority for Kogi State to have an International Airport and join the league of the aviation hub. The strategic location of the state is no doubt, an invaluable advantage in harnessing the aviation service market as the centre of the nation.

“The project will not only boost the economy of the State, it will also create jobs and bring the potentials of the state to the global scene.

“The Governor is determined to hire the best hands in the industry to make the project a huge success. As you are aware, aviation is an industry of trust and standards.

“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Aviation Minister for the historic approval that will help to further develop Kogi State. We want to also say that the Airport will also have capacity for Cargo as that is one of our key focuses in the project,” the Commissioner stated.

Fanwo assured the people of Kogi State and Ododo would continue to execute laudable projects to consolidate the gains of the last eight years in Kogi State.

Zariagi is a very strategic community that already boasts of an airstrip. The team from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development was satisfied with the location and the plans of the Kogi State Government on the project, he said.