The Kogi State Government has formally handed over the contract for the construction of the proposed Zariagi International Airport to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Gamji Nigeria Limited, marking a significant step in the state’s infrastructure development agenda.
The contract award was presented at the Government House in Lokoja, signalling the transition from planning to implementation. The project forms part of a broader strategy to position Kogi State as a key economic and aviation hub within Nigeria.
The airport is designed to address long-standing infrastructure gaps in the state while supporting economic growth, improving connectivity, and enhancing access for investors, tourists, and business travellers. Its location is strategically positioned to serve as an alternative to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with the added objective of reducing congestion and strengthening regional accessibility across major commercial corridors linking northern and southern Nigeria.
Planning and design for the project were completed within the 2025 fiscal year. The development will include both landside and airside infrastructure, comprising a modern passenger terminal, runway systems, and associated aviation facilities. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation will deliver the core technical components, including the runway and terminal infrastructure, while Gamji Nigeria Limited will be responsible for perimeter fencing.
The airport will feature a 3.6-kilometre runway capable of accommodating large aircraft, including heavy cargo operations. The project will span approximately 4,000 hectares, with provision for future expansion. Additional infrastructure will include dedicated cargo terminals and warehousing facilities, supporting the state’s ambition to develop into a regional logistics hub.
Passenger traffic is projected at approximately 250,000 annually in the initial phase. The project is also expected to unlock economic opportunities across sectors such as solid minerals, agriculture, and trade, while generating significant employment during both construction and operational phases.
The commencement of construction reflects a coordinated effort between state and federal authorities, following the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The project is being positioned as a transformative infrastructure investment with long-term economic and strategic significance for Kogi State and Nigeria’s wider aviation network.
