Kogi Begins Compensation for Airport Land Acquisition

The Kogi State Government has commenced compensation payments to residents of Zariagi, Kabba Junction, and Irepeni communities whose lands were acquired for the proposed state airport project.

The development follows the government’s approval of the contract for the dualisation of the access road leading to the planned airport.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the compensation process in a statement on Wednesday. He said affected residents, predominantly farmers, have been invited to the Kogi State Bureau of Lands conference room starting from April 1, 2026, to receive their payments.

According to the statement, claimants are required to present two passport photographs and a valid form of identification, such as a National Identity Card, voters’ card, or driver’s licence.

Fanwo described the contract award as a “significant watershed” in Governor Usman Ododo’s commitment to connecting the state to global markets through the establishment of an international airport.

“Today’s award is further proof that the governor is determined to see the project through,” Fanwo said. “We are fully prepared, and I can confirm that financing will not be a challenge. With the governor’s financial planning expertise and support from President Bola Tinubu, we are well-positioned to complete this airport project.”

He also urged residents to protect government infrastructure as the state continues to invest in critical sectors.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Sagir Abdulsalam, presented the award certificate to the project manager of CCECC Construction Company in Lokoja on Wednesday. Abdulsalam, who represented Commissioner for Works and Transport Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf, stated that the road project would link the proposed ultra-modern airport to the state’s road network.

He noted that the contract is scheduled for completion within 18 months and forms part of Governor Ododo’s economic expansion agenda aimed at improving connectivity, easing movement, and attracting investment.

“The dualisation will enhance the ease of doing business and facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people along the airport corridor,” Abdulsalam said.

He added that the project would be fully funded by the state government and is expected to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities during and after construction.