Keyamo, Ododo Flag Off Construction Of Kogi International Airport
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has joined Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to officially flag off the construction of the Kogi International Airport at Zariagi, describing the project as a major step towards boosting the state’s economic development and global connectivity.
The foundation-laying ceremony, held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo described the airport project as a strategic investment that would unlock Kogi State’s agricultural and solid mineral resources, attract investors and strengthen its participation in domestic and international trade.
He noted that the state has enormous economic potential, particularly in agriculture and solid minerals, adding that improved air connectivity would facilitate the movement of goods and people, stimulate commercial activities and create employment opportunities.
According to the governor, the airport would also encourage the establishment of new businesses and support the development of other critical infrastructure across the state.
In his remarks, Keyamo described the project as a historic milestone that would place Zariagi and Kogi State on the global aviation map.
He explained that the establishment of the airport would give the community international recognition within the aviation industry through the relevant identification and coding processes of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The minister attributed the commencement of the project to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ododo’s determination to translate increased government revenue into meaningful development.
He specifically identified the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market as reforms that had improved allocations to state governments, providing them with greater financial capacity to execute major infrastructure projects.
However, Keyamo stressed that increased revenue must be matched with purposeful leadership and strategic investments to achieve sustainable development.
Defending the decision to establish an international airport in Kogi State, the minister argued that critical infrastructure should sometimes precede major commercial investments, rather than waiting for businesses and international companies to establish themselves before providing the necessary facilities.
He maintained that airports could serve as catalysts for economic growth by attracting investors, businesses, hotels and other commercial activities.
Kogi State is endowed with several commercially valuable mineral resources, including iron ore, limestone, coal, marble, dolomite, feldspar, kaolin, gypsum and talc.
The state also has significant agricultural potential, with major produce including cassava, rice, maize, cashew and palm oil.
With improved aviation infrastructure, the proposed airport is expected to support investment opportunities, enhance accessibility and potentially facilitate cargo logistics and other aviation-related services, depending on its facilities and operational capacity.
The ceremony concluded with Keyamo and Governor Ododo jointly performing the foundation-laying exercise, formally signalling the commencement of construction.
The project forms part of the Kogi State Government’s broader infrastructure development agenda, aimed at diversifying the state’s economy, attracting investments and positioning it for greater participation in national and international commerce.
