Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially handed over the contract for the proposed Zariagi International Airport to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Gamji Nigeria Limited.
The brief ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Government House in Lokoja, with key stakeholders and international partners in attendance.
Governor Ododo described the airport as a “legacy initiative,” underscoring his administration’s commitment to economic transformation and enhanced regional connectivity.
He noted that the contractors emerged through a rigorous procurement process and assured them of the state government’s full support in delivering a world-class aviation facility.
The governor also expressed gratitude to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for approving the project.
He highlighted Kogi State’s historical relevance in Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that one of the earliest aircraft landings in the country occurred in the state, despite the absence of a functional airport over the years.
According to him, the proposed airport is expected to serve as a strategic alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, easing congestion while improving access for travellers and investors.
He added that Kogi’s central location, linking northern and southern Nigeria and connecting major commercial hubs, positions it as an ideal site for a modern aviation facility.
Ododo further stated that the project would unlock economic opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, and trade, while generating employment for residents across the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transportation, Victor Atuluku, disclosed that the project underwent extensive planning and design phases during the 2025 fiscal year.
He explained that development would include landside infrastructure, a terminal building, and airside facilities.
He added that CCECC would handle the core technical components, including the terminal and runway systems, while Gamji Nigeria Limited would oversee perimeter fencing.
Atuluku revealed that the airport would feature a 3.6-kilometre runway capable of accommodating large aircraft, including heavy cargo planes, and would occupy about 4,000 hectares, with provisions for future expansion.
The facility is also expected to support cargo operations through dedicated warehouses and a cargo terminal, positioning Kogi as a regional logistics hub with projected annual passenger traffic of about 250,000.
In their separate remarks, representatives of the contracting firms pledged to deliver the project in line with international standards.
A representative of CCECC, Jun Don Pin, assured timely and quality delivery, while Salau Mutalib commended the state government’s vision and promised strict adherence to project specifications.
