• The Federal Ministry of Aviation has officially approved Kogi State’s proposal to construct an International Airport in Zariagi, enhancing regional connectivity
• The new airport is set to stimulate the local economy, create jobs, and provide a vital link for ten neighbouring states, while also alleviating traffic on key roadways.
• Governor Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo emphasises the project’s potential to position Kogi as an aviation hub, focusing on high standards and cargo capacity

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has approved the bid by the Kogi State Government to build an International Airport in Zariagi.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said the approval was conveyed in a letter by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, dated October 9, 2024.

He said the administration of Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo was committed to the timely completion of the project with strict adherence to regulatory standards. 

He added that an airport in Kogi State would serve 10 other states and reduce traffic on the Lokoja -Abuja road. It will also decongest the traffic at the International Airport in Abuja.

“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 that the Administration of Alh. Usman Ododo would continue to execute laudable projects to consolidate the gains of the last eight years in Kogi State.

New local government chairmen take office in Kogi after APC's sweeping victory

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the newly elected Local Government Chairmen in Kogi State have been sworn into office following a significant victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the elections, whereby the party won all the chairmanship positions in the state.

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission announced that APC candidates secured all 21 chairmanship seats and 239 councillorship positions during the elections held on Saturday, October 19.