After nearly 20 years of being out of operations, the Adogo airstrip in Kogi state is set to undergo a significant transformation. Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, recently announced plans by the state government to upgrade the Adogo airstrip into an international cargo airport. The decision comes after years of abandonment, and the project aims to enhance economic development in the state.
The proposed Kogi State Cargo Airport will be executed through a Public-Private Partnership model. The Kogi state government will collaborate with the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) to bring this project to fruition. The project will commence with a feasibility study and consultations with stakeholders. A project implementation committee will oversee its completion.
Governor Ododo emphasized that the Adogo cargo airport project is critical for the state’s economic development. Kogi State boasts substantial agricultural potential and abundant mineral deposits that require efficient air transportation connections to markets within and outside Nigeria. The completion of the proposed cargo airport in Adogo will strategically link Kogi State to economic gateways, connecting with intermodal transportation systems like the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Warri-Itakpe-Abuja rail line.
However, some citizens have expressed concerns and opinions. Some question the absence of farm produce that will be airlifted from this cargo airport. They urge the government to address insecurity issues and invest in farming before focusing on infrastructure projects. Others highlight the need for better road infrastructure in the state, wondering if good roads should take precedence over the cargo airport.
Critics argue that the cargo airport may not align with the immediate needs of Kogi State, emphasizing the importance of assessing projects based on their impact on the majority of the population. In response, the Managing Director of CCECC, David Wang, assured Governor Ododo of the company’s commitment to delivering the proposed project once feasibility studies and necessary assessments are completed. The project aims to transform the Adogo airstrip into a hub for international cargo transportation, linking Kogi State to economic opportunities beyond its borders. However, public discourse continues on whether this investment aligns with the state’s priorities and challenges.
