Kogi N50bn Airport Project Faces Criticism Over Viability – The Bureau News | Nigeria News Today
By Queen Madaki
The Bureau News reports that a strategic communication and political consultant, Muyiwa Fatosa, has raised concerns over the proposed N50 billion airport project in Kogi State, questioning its economic viability and alignment with the state’s development priorities.
Fatosa joined a growing list of critics who have dominated public discourse on the project, raising issues about sustainability and economic justification.
Nigeria News Today: Concerns Over Kogi Airport Viability
In a policy commentary issued in Abuja, the consultant noted that airport infrastructure is typically driven by passenger demand, commercial activity, and strong economic ecosystems.
He warned that projects lacking these fundamentals risk becoming unsustainable and financially burdensome.
According to him, Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, does not currently demonstrate the level of passenger traffic required to sustain a viable aviation route.
He added that in low-demand environments, airlines often increase ticket prices to offset operational costs, potentially limiting accessibility for residents.
Calls for Alternative Infrastructure Priorities
Fatosa questioned the rationale behind the project, asking what specific economic or logistical challenges the proposed airport is expected to address.
He identified critical infrastructure gaps in the state, particularly poor road networks across communities, which continue to hinder access to markets, healthcare services, and economic opportunities.
He also highlighted the deteriorating condition of public schools, noting that inadequate learning environments undermine human capital development.
Mining Sector and Development Strategy
The consultant further pointed to the need for stronger regulatory frameworks in Kogi State’s growing mining sector to ensure that resource extraction benefits host communities.
He emphasised policies that promote infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and local economic integration.
“Rather than investing heavily in a new airport, the state could adopt a layered infrastructure approach, prioritising road development, education, and regulatory frameworks for resource management,” he said.
Proposal for Rail Connectivity
Fatosa proposed a transport integration model involving collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Works to establish a rail link between Abuja and Lokoja.
He noted that such a system could provide indirect access to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, without the financial burden of constructing a new airport.
He added that similar models are successfully used in other regions where smaller cities rely on efficient rail connections to major aviation hubs.
Government Defends Airport Project
The Bureau News gathered that the airport project, approved under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is to be located in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area of the state.
The project has attracted criticism from several stakeholders who described it as a potential “white elephant” venture that may not deliver meaningful economic benefits.
However, the Kogi State Commissioner for Transport, Levi Atulukwu, defended the project, stating that the state’s strategic location as a gateway between northern and southern Nigeria justifies the investment.
He noted that the proposed Zariagi airport would help decongest the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and serve as an alternative hub for at least 10 states.
Atulukwu dismissed criticisms of the project as unfounded, maintaining that it addresses a critical infrastructure gap in the region.
