The Federal Government has officially commenced construction of the Kogi International Cargo Airport at Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented at the groundbreaking ceremony by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), alongside Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.

The project is expected to improve transportation links, attract investment and create between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, marking a significant development in the state’s infrastructure ambitions.

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Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo described the project as a historic milestone that could transform Zariagi’s economic prospects and give Kogi State greater visibility within the international aviation industry.

He said the airport would put the community on the global aviation map through the relevant international airport identification and coding processes.

The minister attributed the project’s commencement to the economic policies of the Tinubu administration and Governor Ododo’s determination to invest in critical infrastructure.

He specifically referenced the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, arguing that the resulting increase in allocations to state governments had created greater financial capacity for infrastructure development.

“However, 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 also defended the decision to construct an international airport in Kogi despite questions about the immediate commercial demand for such a facility.

According to him, major infrastructure should sometimes precede commercial expansion, rather than waiting for international companies and large businesses to establish themselves before providing the facilities they require.

“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 said.

Governor Ododo described the airport as a strategic investment that would help translate Kogi’s geographical position and natural resources into wider economic opportunities.

He identified agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and logistics as sectors expected to benefit from improved transportation infrastructure.

The governor particularly highlighted the state’s production of agricultural commodities, including cashew, cassava, rice, maize and palm oil, noting that better cargo transportation could help farmers and agro-processors reach larger markets.

Kogi also possesses commercially valuable mineral deposits, including iron ore, limestone, coal, marble and other solid minerals, which the state government hopes to develop further through improved infrastructure.

Ododo called on investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in the state, expressing confidence that the airport would strengthen commercial activities and create employment.

The first phase of construction will cover essential airside and landside infrastructure, including a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads.

Kogi State Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, said the runway would be developed in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and designed to accommodate large aircraft, including Boeing 747s.

The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is among the principal contractors involved in the project.

Its representative, Henry Shuo, assured the state government that the company would deploy its technical expertise to deliver the facility to the required standards.

The airport project has been in development before the latest groundbreaking ceremony. In March 2026, the Kogi State Government announced that it had handed over contract award letters to CCECC and Gamji Nigeria Limited for different aspects of the proposed airport construction.

The earlier announcement outlined plans for an airport development covering approximately 4,000 hectares, with dedicated cargo facilities, warehouses and other supporting infrastructure.

The latest groundbreaking therefore represents a transition from the planning and contractor engagement stages to physical construction.

The project also reflects the state’s ambition to use its central location, between northern and southern Nigeria, to strengthen its position as a transportation and commercial hub.

However, the airport’s long-term economic impact will depend on more than the completion of its runway and terminal facilities.

Supporting road networks, cargo-handling infrastructure, regulatory approvals, airline partnerships and sustainable commercial demand will be important in determining its eventual success.

For farmers and businesses, the availability of efficient cargo facilities could create opportunities to transport high-value agricultural products and other goods to distant markets.

The proposed employment opportunities could also benefit residents through construction work and future airport-related services.

The Federal Government and Kogi State Government have expressed confidence that the project will attract new businesses, improve connectivity and encourage economic diversification.

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With construction now officially flagged off, attention will turn to the delivery timeline, quality of execution and the ability of the proposed airport to translate its ambitious economic promises into tangible benefits for Kogi residents.