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Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state’s International Airport project at Zariagi, near Lokoja, describing the intervention as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development at the subnational level.
Ododo made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of the ongoing airport construction, where he assessed the progress of work and expressed satisfaction with the level of activities at the project site.
The governor described the airport as a strategic investment that would enhance connectivity, attract investors and stimulate economic growth in Kogi State.
He noted that the state’s strategic location, with its proximity to several commercial centres, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, made the development of an airport essential to unlocking its economic potential.
According to him, despite Kogi State’s geographical advantage and commercial connections, it had operated without its own airport until the Tinubu administration approved and supported the project.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to closely monitoring construction to ensure compliance with required standards and timelines.
He expressed optimism that the project would attain a more advanced stage of completion by next year, urging residents to recognise its potential long-term benefits for the state.
The governor also challenged critics questioning the feasibility of the airport project to visit the construction site and assess the progress of work firsthand.
“Please, I want them to come here to see things by 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 project, the Project Manager of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Engr. Sun Yishi, disclosed that construction had reached approximately 20 per cent completion.
He explained that the current phase was focused primarily on earthworks for the runway and associated safety areas, describing the process as one of the most demanding stages of airport construction.
According to him, the work involves extensive excavation, filling, laterite placement and ground preparation ahead of subsequent pavement construction.
Similarly, the lead consultant, Architect Adebayo Adidipe of Arcade Consultants Limited, estimated the overall project completion rate at between 20 and 25 per cent.
Adidipe expressed confidence in the progress of construction and commended Governor Ododo, the State Ministry of Transportation, the commissioner and the permanent secretary for their support.
He noted that concerns raised by the project team had received prompt attention, helping to facilitate the ongoing construction work.
