By Romanus Ojotule
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for the state’s international airport project at Zariagi, Lokoja, as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to extending critical infrastructure development to the subnational level.
Governor Ododo stated this on Tuesday during an inspection visit to the ongoing airport project, where he assessed the progress of work and expressed satisfaction with the level of construction activities.
The Governor, who described the airport as a strategic investment in the future of Kogi State, said the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s recognition of the developmental needs of states and the importance of providing infrastructure capable of stimulating economic growth, improving connectivity and attracting investment.
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He explained that Kogi’s geographical position, bordering several major commercial centres including the Federal Capital Territory, makes an airport a strategic necessity for unlocking the state’s economic potential.
He noted that despite its strategic location and commercial connections, Kogi had operated without its own airport until the intervention of the Tinubu administration, which approved the project and provided support for its execution.
Ododo further disclosed that his administration was committed to closely monitoring the project to ensure construction progresses according to required standards and timelines.
He expressed optimism that the airport would reach an advanced stage of development by next year, while urging residents to appreciate the initiative and its potential long-term benefits.
The Governor also challenged critics of the project to visit the site and assess the work firsthand rather than rely on speculation about its feasibility.
“Please, I want them to come here to see things for themselves. It is not an AI thing. You can see the equipment working, and they are working day and night. We are not going to make noise about it; we invite them to come and see,” he said.
Providing an update on the construction, Engr. Sun Yishi, Project Manager, CCECC Nigeria Limited, Kogi State Project Office, said work had reached approximately 20 per cent completion, with the current phase focused largely on earthworks for the runway and its associated safety areas.
He explained that the earthworks constitute one of the most demanding stages of the project, requiring extensive excavation, filling, laterite placement and ground preparation before subsequent pavement construction can proceed.
Similarly, the Lead Consultant, Architect Adebayo Adidipe of Arcade Consultants Limited, put the overall level of completion at 20 to 25 per cent.
He expressed confidence in the project’s progress and commended the support received from Governor Ododo, the State Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary, noting that issues raised by the project team had received prompt attention.
