•Market project reaches 45% completion stage
By Ojotule Romanus
Barring any last-minute changes, the Kogi State Government, is set to begin construction work on the proposed Kogi State International Airport , with March 2026 earmarked as likely take-off date for the project.
This is coming on the heels of the approval of the bidding process by the Kogi State Government.
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Sitting on a 4,000 square meters of land at Zariagi community, on the outskirts of Lokoja, the state capital, the multi billion naira project has a two year construction timeline for completion.
Already, as part of moves to ensure it effective financing, the State Government has secured a non-interest N50 billion Suku bond for the funding of both the International Airport and the International Market projects.
Speaking when he led members of the Suku Project Monitoring Team on an inspection visit to the site recently, the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Finance, Hon. Idris Shuaib, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to due process, international standards, and stakeholder collaboration in the execution of the Airport Project and other key infrastructure initiatives in the state.
Hon. Shuaibu disclosed that just recently, a crucial stakeholders’ meeting was held in Abuja, bringing together all partners involved in the Airport and International Market Project to properly familiarize themselves with the project environment and expectations and to opt for a non-interest financing for key infrastructure in the state.
He explained that extensive groundwork has already been completed, including feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and social responsibility assessments, all of which, according to him, fully comply with international standards.
Hon. Shuaib noted that these processes were deliberately undertaken to ensure sustainability, safety, and maximum benefits to the people of Kogi State and the North Central region at large.
Speaking on behalf of the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, the Special Adviser emphasized that the projects were being executed solely for the socio-economic advancement of the people, adding that transparency and accountability remain the guiding principles of the administration.
In an interview with Journalists, the Lead Engineer from the Kogi State Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Achem Enemakwu, disclosed that the Airport Project has successfully passed the design stage and is now set for full construction, following the approval of the bidding process by the Kogi State Government.
According to Engr. Enemakwu, the design of the airport was completed last year, while the bidding for construction is currently ongoing just as he revealed that the the state Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has graciously approved the commencement process and made a budgetary provision of ₦50 billion for the Airport Project in the current fiscal year.
He further stated that the airport sits on a vast 4,000 hectares of land, with a two-year construction timeline, and expressed optimism that construction activities will commence as early as next month.
Also, the inspection team from One17 Financial Services Ltd, led by Senior Analyst Kamil Isah Shuaib, revealed that the collaboration between Kogi state government, his company and Ava Capital, aims to explore non-interest financing options, offering flexible and lower-rate funding structures.
He noted that the presence of the Head of Sharia Advisory (Sukuk Bond) is to ensure the project’s compliance with non-interest standards, making it attractive to investors seeking long-term flexible financing options.
The Team also went further to assess work at the ongoing International Market where the Head of Sharia Advisory (Sukuk Bond), Thanni Mustakeem expressed satisfaction with the progress of work ; just as he pointed out that, with the commitment of the State Government, his company would be eager to partner.
He explained that the Sharia Advisory is an alternative financing organisation, tested and viable with aims to enhance infrastructural development with great benefit to the people irrespective of their inclinations.
The site Engineer handling the International Market, Engr Omojola Benjamin of SABC Ltd had disclosed that the work was already at 35 to 45 percent ; just as he promised to deliver within the timeframe of the project.
