Construction of Kogi Airport Begins, Keyamo Says It Will Boost Investment

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, launched the construction of Kogi International Airport on Tuesday in Zariagi. He said this project could bring in investments and create more economic chances for the state.

Keyamo was at the groundbreaking ceremony with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo. He linked the project to the federal government's economic reforms and the state government's focus on improving infrastructure.

He explained that removing petrol subsidies and changes in the foreign exchange market have improved revenue for state governments. This gives them more money to work on infrastructure projects.

According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the minister said the airport project shows how federal economic policies work with the governor's development efforts.

"But it takes two to tango. One, the positive policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the vision of the Governor. These are the two things that combined to make this thing possible today," Keyamo said.

He pointed out that just having more revenue cannot lead to development without leaders willing to use public funds for infrastructure.

Keyamo called the start of the project a big win for Zariagi. He said it would make the community more visible in the aviation industry.

"What is happening here today, what the Governor has done today, will resonate many, many years, centuries after today, 500 years from today. Do you understand the significance of what is happening here today? Let me tell you the significance. Today, as from today, this village called Zariagi will be on the Global Aviation Map," he said.

He defended the need for an airport in a state where big international businesses are still growing.

"If you are waiting for the best international companies to be here, the best international hotels to be here before you put an airport, you wait for the next one million years, it will not come," he said.

"It is the airport that attracts these developments. The airport is the precursor. The airport is the forerunner. The airport is the indicator of development," he added.

Keyamo believes that the airport will encourage businesses to set up in Kogi State, making it easier for trade and boosting the state’s role in local and global trade.

Governor Ododo said the airport is a key investment that will help unlock the state’s agricultural and mineral resources. He noted it would improve access to markets and draw in investors.

Kogi is rich in mineral resources like iron ore, limestone, coal, and marble. It also produces agricultural goods such as cassava, rice, maize, cashew, and palm oil.

The governor said better transport infrastructure will make it easier to move agricultural products and minerals. This will create jobs and help businesses grow.

The state government also hopes the airport will boost tourism and support logistics services, including possible cargo operations.