Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has officially commissioned the construction of a multi-billion naira International Airport at Zariagi, on the outskirts of Lokoja, marking a landmark step in the state’s infrastructure and economic development agenda.
Represented at the ceremony by Victor Aruluku, the State Commissioner for Transportation, the governor described the airport as a people-centered initiative poised to transform Kogi into a key hub for investment, trade, and industrial growth.
Speaking at the groundbreaking, Aruluku conveyed the governor’s vision for the project, highlighting its potential to attract both local and international investors. He explained that the airport would generate employment across multiple sectors and significantly elevate the state’s socio-economic profile.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to the timely delivery of the project, pledging to allocate both human and material resources to meet set deadlines. He emphasized that the airport is not just an aviation facility, but a strategic economic driver aimed at diversifying the state’s economy and stimulating long-term growth.
“The establishment of a state-owned airport will attract multinational companies, high-net-worth investors, and global business interests, while also opening opportunities for artisans and small-scale enterprises,” Ododo said. He added that the facility would connect Kogi State to other major economic centres, enhancing trade and commerce in the region.
The project has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Gamji Construction Company, tasked with delivering the airport to international standards. Ododo urged the contractors to maintain high quality, professionalism, and strict adherence to specifications, while calling on the host community and residents to offer their full support for a smooth execution.
Reassuring potential investors, the governor also stressed the state’s commitment to security, noting that a safe environment is essential for sustainable growth and economic development.
The official handover of the airport project marks a major milestone in Kogi State’s infrastructure drive, reinforcing the government’s dedication to implementing transformative projects that will boost economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for residents.
