Ododo hands over Kogi airport project to contractors

The Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has officially handed over the construction of a multi-billion-naira International Airport to contractors.

The governor, who was represented at the ceremony on Wednesday by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Victor Atuluku, described the initiative as a people-centred and economically transformative project that will position Kogi State as a major hub for investment, trade, and industrial growth.

“The airport is a strategic infrastructure designed to unlock the state’s vast economic potential, adding that upon completion, the facility would stimulate local and international investments, create jobs across multiple sectors, and significantly boost the socio-economic profile of the state,” Ododo said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the speedy completion of the project, pledging to deploy both human and material resources to meet set timelines.

He stressed that the airport project goes beyond aviation, serving as a critical driver of economic diversification and long-term development.

The governor said, “The establishment of a state-owned airport will attract multinational companies, high-net-worth investors, and business interests from across the globe, while also creating opportunities for artisans and small-scale enterprises.”

He added that the project would connect Kogi State to a network of progressive economic centres, thereby enhancing trade and commerce.

The project has been awarded to leading construction firms, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Gamji Construction Company, with a mandate to deliver the airport in line with global standards.

Ododo charged the contractors to work diligently and around the clock to ensure timely delivery, emphasising the importance of quality, professionalism, and adherence to specifications.

He also called on the host community and residents of the state to provide maximum cooperation and support for the smooth and rancour-free execution of the project.

Reassuring investors of adequate security, the Governor stated that his administration remains committed to protecting lives and property, noting that a secure environment is a critical requirement for sustainable growth and development.

The official handover of the airport project to contractors signals a major milestone in Kogi state’s infrastructure drive, reinforcing the government’s resolve to implement transformative projects that will drive economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for the people.