Keyamo: Airport Infrastructure Must Come Before Investors, Says Kogi Will Go Global
The development of aviation infrastructure must precede the arrival of major investors and international businesses, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has declared. He argued that waiting for investors before building an airport could delay economic development for generations. The Minister made the remarks as Kogi State commenced construction of its proposed international airport at Zariagi.
Keyamo described the project as a strategic investment capable of transforming the state’s economic prospects. He maintained that an airport should serve as an economic catalyst rather than merely respond to existing commercial activities. The declaration provides a strong justification for the state’s decision to pursue the ambitious aviation infrastructure project.
Kogi State: Why Airport Infrastructure Must Precede Investors
Addressing critics who questioned the rationale behind establishing an international airport in Kogi State, Keyamo argued that major businesses require supporting infrastructure before committing substantial investments.
He cited international companies, luxury hotels and other commercial establishments as examples of businesses that would be difficult to attract without adequate connectivity. According to him, waiting for such investors before developing an airport reverses the proper sequence of economic development.
“If you are waiting for the best international companies to be here, the best international hotels to be here before you put an airport, you wait for the next one million years, it will not come. It is the airport that attracts these developments. The airport is the precursor. The airport is the forerunner. The airport is the indicator of development,” Keyamo stated.
The Minister’s argument places aviation infrastructure at the centre of Kogi’s investment ambitions. However, the airport’s eventual economic impact will depend on effective planning, supporting infrastructure, commercial demand and sustainable operations.
Keyamo Flags Off Kogi International Airport
Keyamo joined Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to officially flag off construction of the Kogi International Airport at Zariagi.
The Minister described the ceremony as a historic milestone that would give the community international aviation visibility. He explained that recognised airports operate within a global identification system, including the relevant coding processes administered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“What is happening here today, what the Governor has done today, will resonate many, many years, centuries after today, 500 years from today. Do you understand the significance of what is happening here today? Let me tell you the significance. Today, as from today, this village called Zariagi will be on the Global Aviation Map,” he declared.
The ceremony attracted members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and other dignitaries. The Minister was accompanied by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, and other officials the statement signed by Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood read.
Ododo Highlights Kogi State’s Economic Potential
Governor Ododo described the airport as a strategic investment in the economic future of Kogi State. He said the project would improve access to the state’s agricultural and solid mineral resources.
According to the Governor, Kogi possesses considerable economic potential that could make it a major contributor to Nigeria’s export economy. He identified agricultural produce and mineral resources as important sectors that could benefit from improved transportation and market access.
He added that the airport could attract investors, stimulate commercial activities and create employment opportunities. Improved connectivity would also encourage businesses and accelerate the development of supporting infrastructure across the state.
Kogi State has substantial mineral deposits, including iron ore, limestone, coal, marble, dolomite, feldspar, kaolin, gypsum and talc. Its agricultural potential also includes cassava, rice, maize, cashew and palm oil.
These resources present opportunities for expanded trade and investment. However, converting that potential into economic benefits will require reliable logistics, processing facilities, road connectivity and a clear commercial strategy.
Five Reasons Kogi State Needs Supporting Infrastructure
The airport’s economic justification extends beyond passenger transportation. Its potential benefits depend on how effectively the state integrates aviation with other development priorities.
First, improved air connectivity could make Kogi more accessible to investors, business executives and technical experts. Second, suitable cargo facilities could support the movement of high-value agricultural products and other commercially viable goods.
Third, better connectivity could encourage hospitality, tourism and commercial developments. Fourth, airport-related activities could create employment across aviation services, logistics, maintenance and hospitality.
Fifth, the project could strengthen Kogi’s position as an investment destination by complementing its existing mineral and agricultural resources.
Nevertheless, these opportunities will require more than an airport runway. Efficient road networks, reliable electricity, security, aviation support services and an enabling business environment will remain essential.
Tinubu’s Economic Reforms and Ododo’s Vision
Keyamo attributed the project’s commencement to the combination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies and Governor Ododo’s development vision.
He particularly referenced fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange market unification. According to the Minister, these reforms have increased allocations available to subnational governments, providing greater fiscal capacity for critical infrastructure projects.
However, he stressed that increased revenue alone could not guarantee development. States must also demonstrate purposeful leadership and identify projects capable of delivering long-term economic value.
“It takes two to tango. One, the positive policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the vision of the Governor. These are the two things that combined to make this thing possible today,” he said.
Following the address, Keyamo and Governor Ododo performed the foundation-laying ceremony, formally signalling the commencement of construction.
The Kogi International Airport now represents an ambitious attempt to connect the state’s economic resources with wider markets. Its ultimate success will depend on disciplined project execution, operational sustainability and the development of complementary infrastructure.
For Kogi State, the challenge will be turning the promise of international connectivity into measurable investment, employment and economic growth.
