The Kogi State Government has approved the award of a contract for the dualisation of the road leading to the proposed Kogi Airport in Zariagi, in a move aimed at strengthening infrastructure around the planned aviation facility.
The road project, which spans about 9.1 kilometres, was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) following a competitive bidding process involving five construction firms. CCECC Nigeria Limited eventually emerged as the preferred contractor after submitting the lowest bid.
Presenting the letter of award to the company’s project manager in Lokoja on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Engr. Sagir Abdulsalam, said the project would serve as a strategic link between the proposed ultra-modern airport and the state’s existing road network.
Abdulsalam, who represented the Commissioner for Works and Transport, explained that the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.
According to him, the dualisation of the airport road forms part of the economic expansion drive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and is designed to improve connectivity, ease the movement of people and goods, and attract investments into the state.
He noted that the road project would also enhance the ease of doing business and support commercial activities along the airport corridor.
“In his magnanimity, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, through the weekly Executive Council meeting, approved and awarded the dualisation of the airport road to the same construction company handling some of the state’s projects,” Abdulsalam said.
He added that the project would be funded directly by the state government and is expected to stimulate economic growth while creating employment opportunities during and after construction.
Responding on behalf of the construction firm, the Project Manager of CCECC, Mr. Austin Qi, expressed appreciation to the governor and members of the state executive council for the confidence reposed in the company.
Qi assured that the firm would deliver the project in line with global standards and within the stipulated timeframe.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the award of the contract as a significant milestone in the administration’s commitment to linking Kogi State with the rest of the world through the establishment of an international airport.
According to him, the state government is fully prepared to see the airport project to completion.
“Today’s award is further proof that the Governor is prepared to see the project through. We are prepared for the project and I can confirm that finance will not be a challenge. We have prepared ourselves well enough,” he said.
Fanwo added that with the financial engineering capacity of Governor Ododo and the support of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state was well positioned to deliver the airport project.
He urged residents to support government efforts by protecting public infrastructure across the state as the administration continues to invest in critical sectors of the economy.
Meanwhile, the state government has commenced payment of compensation to residents of Zariagi, Kabba Junction and Irepeni communities whose lands were acquired for the proposed airport project.
The affected residents, mostly farmers, have been invited to the conference room of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands from April 1, 2026, for the payment process.
Officials said beneficiaries are required to present two passport photographs and a valid means of identification, including a National Identity Card, Voter’s Card or Driver’s Licence, before receiving their compensation.
