The Kogi government says it received approval from the federal government to build an international airport in Zariagi, near Lokoja metropolis.
Mr Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, said the approval was given by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
In a statement on Friday in Lokoja, Mr Fanwo said the approval was conveyed to the state government in a letter dated October 9, by the aviation ministry.
Mr Fanwo said the administration of Governor Usman Ododo was committed to the timely completion of the project with strict adherence to regulatory standards.
“Having an airport in Kogi will definitely serve 10 other states and reduce traffic on the Lokoja -Abuja road. It will also decongest the traffic on the Abuja International Airport.
“Gov. Ododo’s administration has considered this project a top priority one for Kogi state to have an International Airport and join the league of the aviation hub.
“The strategic location of the state is no doubt, an invaluable advantage in harnessing the aviation service market as the centre of the nation.
“The project will not only boost the economy of the State, it will also create jobs and bring the potentials of the state to the global scene,” the commissioner said.
He said the governor is determined to hire the best hands in the industry to make the project a huge success, stating that, aviation is an industry of trust and standards.
The commissioner thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Aviation Minister for the approval, adding that an international airport will help to further develop Kogi.
According to him, the airport, which will also have capacity for cargo, is one of the government’s key focuses in the project.
Zariagi is a very strategic community that already boasts of an airstrip, which the aviation ministry was satisfied with.
(NAN)
