Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has awarded the contract for the proposed Zariagi International Airport to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Gamji Nigeria Limited.
The handover was announced on Wednesday during a brief ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja, attended by key stakeholders and international partners.
Governor Ododo described the airport as a “legacy initiative” aimed at driving economic transformation and enhancing regional connectivity. He said the contractors emerged through a rigorous procurement process and assured them of full government support to deliver a world-class facility.
The Governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for approving the project. He noted Kogi’s historical significance in Nigeria’s aviation sector, recalling that one of the country’s earliest aircraft landings occurred in the state, making the absence of a functional airport a longstanding gap.
According to Ododo, the proposed airport will serve as an alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, easing congestion while improving access for travelers and investors.
He added that Kogi’s central location, linking northern and southern Nigeria and connecting major commercial hubs, makes it ideal for a modern aviation facility.
He said the project is expected to unlock opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, and trade, while also creating jobs for residents.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transportation, Victor Atuluku, said the project underwent extensive planning and design in the 2025 fiscal year. He explained that the development will include landside infrastructure, terminal buildings, and airside facilities.
Atuluku added that CCECC will handle the core technical components, including the terminal and runway systems, while Gamji Nigeria Limited will oversee perimeter fencing.
He disclosed that the airport will feature a 3.6 kilometre runway capable of accommodating large aircraft, including cargo planes, and will sit on about 4,000 hectares of land with room for expansion.
“The facility is also expected to support cargo operations with dedicated warehouses and a cargo terminal, positioning Kogi as a regional logistics hub, with projected passenger traffic of about 250,000 annually,” he said.
Representatives of the contracting firms pledged to deliver the project in line with international standards. Jun Don Pin of CCECC assured timely and quality delivery, while Salau Mutalib of Gamji Nigeria Limited promised strict adherence to project specifications.
