Keyamo flags off Kogi airport construction

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, officially started construction on the Kogi International Airport on Tuesday. He linked the project to President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms and the state government's infrastructure development strategy. Keyamo highlighted that the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market had improved state government revenue allocation, thereby boosting financial capabilities for major infrastructure projects.

Speaking alongside Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, Keyamo emphasized that the airport would bring investment, enhance connectivity, and create new economic opportunities for the state. According to his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the minister attributed the project to the convergence of federal economic policies and the governor's vision for development.

Keyamo noted that while federal allocations had bolstered subnational governments' financial positions, effective leadership was crucial in transforming the additional revenue into infrastructure development. He described the start of the airport project as a significant milestone, projecting that Zariagi would soon be on the global aviation map.

The minister explained that airports are identified through international aviation coding systems, asserting that the proposed facility would increase the community's global aviation visibility. Addressing concerns about the economic viability of an international airport in Kogi, Keyamo argued that major infrastructure projects could spur investment rather than merely responding to existing commercial activities.

He pointed out that pension reforms were not merely a campaign gimmick and that Air Peace, Ethiopian Airlines, and other international companies were expected to set up operations at the new airport. Keyamo expressed confidence that the airport would attract businesses, improve accessibility, and bolster Kogi's involvement in both domestic and international trade.

He commended the governor for prioritizing infrastructure and expressed optimism that the airport would support the state's long-term economic growth.