The Kogi State Government has approved the award of a contract for the dualization of the road leading to the proposed Kogi Airport in Zariagi.
The project, which covers about 9.1 kilometres, was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) following a competitive bidding process involving five companies. CCECC Nigerian Limited emerged as the preferred contractor after submitting the lowest bid.
Presenting the award certificate 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 link the proposed ultra-modern Kogi Airport to the state road network.
Abdulsalam, who represented the Commissioner for Works and Transport, said the contract is expected to be completed within 18 months.
He explained that the road project forms part of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s economic expansion agenda and is designed to improve connectivity, ease movement and attract investment to the state.
According to him, the dualisation will boost the ease of doing business and enhance the movement of goods, services and people 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,” he said.
He added that the project would be funded directly by the state government and is expected to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities during and after construction.
Responding, the Project Manager of CCC Construction Company, Mr. Austin Qi, thanked Governor Ododo and members of the state executive council for the confidence reposed in the company.
He assured the government that the firm would deliver the project to the highest standard within the stipulated period.
In his reaction, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo said the contract award marks a “significant watershed” in the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure Kogi is linked to the rest of the world through the establishment of an international airport.
“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 won’t be a challenge. We have prepared ourselves well enough.
“With the financial engineering acumen of the Governor and the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made resources available to the sub-nationals , we are prepared to see this Airport project through”.
He urged the people of Kogi State to continue to protect government infrastructure across the state as the state continues to provide infrastructure in the critical sectors of the economy.
Meanwhile, the Kogi 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 Kogi State Bureau of Lands conference room from April 1, 2026, for the payment process.
They are expected to present two passport photographs and a valid means of identification, including a National Identity Card, Voter’s Card or Driver’s Licence.
