Ododo Hands Over Kogi Airport Project to Contractors, Eyes Economic Boost

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has officially handed over the contract for the proposed Zariagi International Airport to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Gamji Nigeria Limited.

The handover ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Government House in Lokoja, attracted key stakeholders and development partners.

Governor Ododo described the airport as a legacy project designed to drive economic transformation and enhance regional connectivity. He said the contractors were selected after a thorough procurement process and assured them of the state government’s full backing to deliver a world class aviation facility.

The governor also appreciated Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for approving the project. He noted that Kogi holds a unique place in Nigeria’s aviation history, recalling that one of the earliest aircraft landings in the country took place in the state, yet it has operated for years without a functional airport.

According to him, the new airport will serve as a strategic alternative to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, helping to reduce congestion while improving access for travelers and investors.

He added that Kogi’s central location linking northern and southern Nigeria, as well as major commercial corridors, makes it an ideal hub for aviation development.

Governor Ododo stressed that the project would unlock opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, and trade, while creating jobs for residents.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Transportation, Victor Atuluku, said the airport project underwent detailed planning and design within the 2025 fiscal year. He explained that the development will include landside infrastructure, a terminal building, and airside facilities.

He disclosed that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation will handle the core technical components such as the runway and terminal, while Gamji Nigeria Limited will oversee the perimeter fencing.

Atuluku further revealed that the airport will feature a 3.6 kilometre runway capable of accommodating large aircraft, including cargo planes, and will sit on about 4,000 hectares of land with room for future expansion.

The facility is also expected to support cargo operations with dedicated warehouses and a cargo terminal, with projected annual passenger traffic of about 250,000.

Representatives of the contracting firms pledged to deliver the project in line with international standards.

Jun Don Pin of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation assured timely and quality execution, while Salau Mutalib of Gamji Nigeria Limited commended the state government’s vision and promised strict adherence to project specifications.