Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Kogi State, Nigeria — The Kogi State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has formally awarded the contract for the construction of a major international airport project in Adavi Local Government Area, sparking widespread public debate over the project’s necessity, timing, and potential benefits for the state’s economy and citizens.
The contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Gamji Nigeria Limited. The project, officially named the Zariagi International Airport, is planned on a 4,000-hectare site in Adavi and is scheduled for completion within two years. The location shares a boundary with Okene Local Government Area, the governor’s home base, which has added scrutiny regarding the project’s siting and strategic planning.
State officials describe the airport as a transformative infrastructure initiative designed to boost regional connectivity, facilitate trade, and attract investment. The airport will feature runways, terminals, cargo handling facilities, and integrated business and residential areas, effectively functioning as an “aerotropolis.” The government projects that the airport will handle both passengers and cargo, including agricultural products and minerals, serving Kogi State and neighbouring regions, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Proponents argue that the project will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, attract investors, and enhance the state’s economic profile. Officials maintain that the airport aligns with the state’s long-term development strategy and industrialisation goals. They also suggest that improved air transport will support commerce and regional trade that current road networks cannot adequately facilitate.
However, the project has drawn criticism from residents, civil society actors, and observers who question its timing and economic viability. Critics point to the state’s poor road networks, inadequate health care facilities, weak power supply, and security challenges as pressing issues that require attention before embarking on a large-scale airport project. Many residents argue that the project does not reflect the immediate needs of ordinary citizens and could divert resources from essential services and infrastructure improvements.
The public debate also centres on financial prudence and governance. Some residents fear the airport could become underused or mismanaged, while civil society groups call for greater transparency and accountability in the project’s planning and execution. They suggest that alternative investments in agriculture, health care, and rural development would provide more immediate and widespread benefits, including employment opportunities for youths and economic empowerment across the 21 local governments of Kogi State.
Historically, Kogi State has had limited aviation infrastructure, including the Ajaokuta Airstrip, which has not supported regular commercial flights. The new airport represents a significantly larger and more ambitious investment compared to previous initiatives. Governor Ododo’s administration has emphasized infrastructure as a priority, and the airport is part of a broader agenda that includes feeder road construction, market development, and health initiatives.
Experts note that air transport projects typically follow the establishment of strong ground transport networks, a robust industrial base, and clear demand for passenger and cargo traffic. In Kogi State, where residents face ongoing challenges with mobility, health care, and security, many argue that these foundational needs should take precedence over an international airport.
As the government moves forward with the project, public scrutiny and debate continue, highlighting the tension between ambitious infrastructure projects and the immediate socio-economic needs of the population. How the project is implemented, including engagement with communities, economic planning, and transparent reporting, will influence whether it becomes a landmark development or a source of contention.
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