President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the construction of an international cargo airport in Kogi State, with the project expected to improve trade, attract investment and create jobs.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Kogi International Cargo Airport, located in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, was held on Tuesday, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, representing the President.
Keyamo said the facility would improve Kogi's access to international markets and increase its appeal to investors.
He also defended the decision to build the airport amid criticism, maintaining that governments must put infrastructure in place to attract businesses and economic activities.
The minister said the project was expected to provide between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for people in the state.
Governor Ododo said the airport would support his administration's efforts to expand the state's economy by improving transportation and creating new opportunities for businesses.
He identified agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality as sectors that could benefit from the facility, particularly through easier movement of agricultural produce to markets within and outside Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, disclosed that the initial phase would cover the construction of a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, aircraft parking facilities, drainage channels, perimeter fencing and access roads.
According to him, the runway is being designed to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements and accommodate large aircraft, including Boeing 747s.