The Director-General of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), Hon. Ahmed Bala, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their contributions to aviation infrastructure development and economic growth.
Bala gave the commendation during the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Kogi International Cargo Airport in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
The RELAX director-general attended the event alongside members and supporters of the organisation, describing the airport project as a significant investment in the state’s economic future.
He said the proposed facility could improve transportation connectivity, attract investors, create employment opportunities and stimulate commercial activities across Kogi State.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ododo described the airport as a major step towards positioning Kogi as a centre for commerce, transportation, logistics and investment.
He explained that the project would support key sectors of the state’s economy, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality.
The governor also disclosed that the first phase of construction would include a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads.
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, also highlighted the potential benefits of the project, describing it as an important development for the state’s aviation prospects.
Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Keyamo attributed the project to the Federal Government’s economic reforms and the Kogi State Government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
He argued that improved government revenue following the removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms had provided states with greater financial capacity to undertake major infrastructure projects.
Reacting to the developments, Bala praised Governor Ododo’s leadership and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that collaboration between federal and state governments was essential to delivering projects capable of transforming the economy.
He also highlighted Kogi State’s strategic geographical location, which connects different parts of the country, describing it as an advantage for transportation, logistics, tourism and investment.
Bala further commended Keyamo’s leadership in the aviation sector, stressing that infrastructure development should translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, the success of such projects should not be measured solely by the construction of physical facilities but also by their ability to create sustainable employment, improve living standards and expand economic opportunities.
He reaffirmed RTIFN’s commitment to promoting awareness of government development initiatives and encouraging constructive public engagement.
The proposed Kogi International Cargo Airport is expected to strengthen the state’s transportation network and improve access to markets for agricultural and mineral resources.
The Kogi State Government has projected that the project could generate between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs when developed.
However, the anticipated economic benefits will depend on the successful completion of the airport, its eventual commencement of operations and the development of supporting commercial infrastructure.
