The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has approved Kogi State’s bid to construct an international airport in Zariagi. The announcement was made by Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, who revealed that the approval was communicated to Governor Ahmed Ododo in a letter dated October 9, 2024.

According to Fanwo, the Ododo administration is committed to ensuring the timely completion of the project while adhering strictly to aviation industry standards. The proposed airport in Zariagi, a strategic location within Kogi State, is expected to serve as a critical transit point for ten neighboring states, alleviating congestion on the Lokoja-Abuja Road and decongesting the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Fanwo highlighted the significance of the airport for Kogi State’s economy, emphasizing its potential to create jobs, attract global attention to the state, and position it as an aviation hub in Nigeria. “The strategic location of the state is no doubt an invaluable advantage in harnessing the aviation service market as the center of the nation,” he noted.

The project will include provisions for cargo handling, aligning with one of the administration’s key goals to develop Kogi as a logistics and cargo center. The governor has expressed his intent to bring in top professionals from the aviation industry to ensure the success of the project, recognizing the importance of trust and high standards in aviation operations.

Fanwo also extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for their support, noting that the approval marks a historic milestone for Kogi State’s development. He assured residents that Governor Ododo’s administration remains dedicated to launching transformative projects that will build upon the successes achieved in the last eight years.

The Zariagi area, already home to an airstrip, has been deemed suitable for the airport by the Ministry of Aviation’s team, who were reportedly pleased with the state government’s plans.