The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has approved Kogi State Government’s proposal to construct an international airport in the Zariagi community, leveraging its strategic location and existing airstrip.
In a media briefing on Friday, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, said a letter from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development dated October 9, 2024 conveyed the approval.
Fanwo stressed that the administration of Gov. Usman Ododo is committed to the timely completion of the project with strict adherence to regulatory standards.
The commissioner added that an airport in Kogi State would serve 10 other states and reduce traffic on the Lokoja-Abuja expressway as well as decongest the traffic at the International Airport in Abuja.
He said: “The Ododo administration has considered it a top priority for Kogi State to have an international airport and to join the league of aviation hubs.
“The strategic location of the state is undoubtedly 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, but it will also create jobs and bring the potential of the state to the global stage.
“The governor is determined to hire the best professionals in the industry to ensure the project is a resounding success. As you are aware, aviation is an industry built on trust and standards.
“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Aviation Minister for the historic approval that will help further develop Kogi State.
“We also want to highlight that the airport will have the capacity for cargo, as that is one of our key focuses for the project.”
Fanwo assured Kogi State residents that Ododo’s administration will continue to implement key projects, building on the achievements of the past eight years.
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