Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has said the ongoing Kogi International Airport project will strengthen the state’s economy, improve transportation links and create opportunities for local and foreign investors.
Ododo made the remarks on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while inspecting construction activities at the airport site in Zariagi, near Lokoja, the state capital.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far, describing the project as an important investment in Kogi’s long-term development.
He said the airport would help the state take advantage of its central location and strengthen commercial activities across neighbouring states.
Ododo Explains Economic Importance of Kogi Airport
According to the governor, Kogi occupies a strategic position in Nigeria, with road connections to Abuja and several major economic centres.
He explained that an airport would complement existing transport infrastructure, improve accessibility and make the state more attractive to businesses seeking investment opportunities.
Ododo also acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in supporting the development of the airport.
He said the Federal Government’s backing reflected its commitment to addressing infrastructure gaps and encouraging economic development at the state level.
The governor maintained that the project would provide a foundation for future economic activities, particularly in sectors that depend on efficient transportation and access to markets.
Kogi Airport Construction Reaches 20–25% Completion
During the inspection, officials responsible for the airport’s construction provided updates on the work completed and the activities currently underway.
The project manager for China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, Kogi State Project Office, Sun Yishi, said construction had reached approximately 20 per cent.
Yishi explained that workers were concentrating on preparing the runway and its adjoining safety areas.
He identified excavation, filling, laterite placement and ground preparation as major activities being undertaken before construction of the runway pavement.
The project manager described the earthworks as a particularly demanding stage because of the volume of materials and technical preparation required.
A separate assessment by the lead consultant at Arcade Consultants Limited, Adebayo Adidipe, placed the overall level of completion between 20 and 25 per cent.
Adidipe expressed confidence in the pace of work and praised the governor and the Kogi State Ministry of Transportation for responding promptly to concerns raised by the construction team.
Ododo Targets Further Progress by 2027
Ododo said his administration would continue supervising the airport project to ensure that contractors complied with construction standards and agreed schedules.
He expressed optimism that substantial progress would be recorded by 2027, although he did not announce a definite date for the airport’s completion or commencement of commercial operations.
The governor also responded to those questioning the progress of the project, inviting them to visit the construction site and assess the situation personally.
He pointed to the equipment and workers operating at the location as evidence that construction was actively underway.
Ododo said his administration preferred to demonstrate progress through visible results rather than engage in prolonged public arguments about the project.
Airport Expected to Support Investment and Connectivity
The proposed Kogi International Airport is intended to improve the state’s access to air transportation while supporting wider economic development.
Its location near Lokoja could provide additional transport options for businesses, investors and travellers operating within the North-Central region.
However, the airport’s eventual economic impact will depend on its completion, regulatory approvals, airline participation and the development of sustainable passenger and cargo demand.
For now, construction remains at the earthworks stage, with project officials reporting overall progress of approximately 20 to 25 per cent.
The state government says it will maintain oversight as work continues towards the next phase of development.
