Kogi International Airport Nears Reality With President Tinubu’s Flag Off

President Bola Tinubu’s flag off on Tuesday of the construction of the Kogi International Airport in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, the project has taken a leap towards reality.

At the ceremony, the President was optimistic that the airport would position the state for economic growth, trade and global investment.

He was represented at the event by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.

Keyamo expressed confidence in the opportunities the airport would create upon completion, noting that it was expected to generate more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“From today, this village called Zariagi will be on the global aviation map. Everywhere you have an airport in the world, you give it a global code. From today, Zariagi has a code in the global aviation world through the International Air Transport Association (IATA),” the Minister declared.

Governor Ahmed Ododo, in his remarks, thanked the Presidency for its support and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. He pointed out that the airport would strategically place Kogi State for commerce, investment and transportation. In his own words:

“Kogi has a good economic landscape. We sit at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers, connecting different parts of the country. We share borders with other states and enjoy proximity to the Federal Capital Territory.

“Our location gives us a natural advantage as a centre for trade, transportation, logistics and investment. The airport converts that advantage into major economic value.”

The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Momoh Ozigi Salami, had in his address outlined the airport’s design and capacity. He said the first phase would include key airside and landside facilities, such as the runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads.

He further said the 3,600-metre runway would be constructed in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and would be capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747.