Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the construction of a world-class international airport in the state.
Ododo gave the commendation on Wednesday in Lokoja during the official handover of the contract for the project.
He described the initiative as a historic and strategic milestone, noting that Kogi occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s aviation history as the location where the first aircraft landed in the country.
The governor said the absence of an airport in such a historically significant state had long been an indictment on both Kogi and the nation.
He also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for his dedication and prompt efforts in facilitating the approval and ensuring timely contract award.
According to Ododo, the state followed due process in securing all necessary approvals from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, adding that it took about nine months to finalise the airport design handled by globally recognised consultants.
The governor justified the need for an international airport in spite of the state’s proximity to Abuja, explaining that Kogi serves as a critical gateway linking about 10 major commercial cities, including the Federal Capital Territory.
“Kogi is the natural gateway of Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the state’s strategic location, including the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as its abundant mineral resources, made it deserving of such infrastructure.
Ododo further said the airport would help decongest the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and serve as an alternative landing destination when necessary.
He assured that the project would be closely monitored by the state government, describing it as a legacy project that must meet the highest standards.
The governor expressed confidence in the contractors, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Gamji Nigeria Company Ltd., citing their track record.
He urged them to deliver within the stipulated timeframe, stressing that delays would not be tolerated.
Ododo also conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill to the contractors and assured of adequate security and support for the successful execution of the project.
He described the airport as a transformative development and called on stakeholders to support its realisation.
Earlier, Mr Victor Atukulu, the Commissioner for Transport, said it took the ministry eight months, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to complete the airport design.
Atuluku said the contract was awarded through a meticulous procurement process approved by the governor.
He explained that the project would be executed in two lots, with CCECC handling the technical components, while Gamji Nigeria Ltd. would handle the perimeter fencing.
According to him, the airport will feature an 18.6-kilometre runway suitable for aircraft landing and take-off, as well as cargo handling facilities.
He added that the project would sit on 4,000 hectares of land and have a capacity to handle 250,000 passengers annually.
In their remarks, the Executive Director of CCECC Nigeria Ltd., Mr Zhou Dongping, and the Operations Manager of Gamji Nigeria Ltd., Mr Salawu Okaku, assured that they would deliver a quality, world-class project.