A former presidential candidate and ex-National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Chief Peter Ameh, has criticized the Kogi State Government’s plan to build an international airport in Zariagi, describing the project as a misplaced priority and an imprudent use of public funds.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Ameh rejected recent remarks by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, who reportedly said that no state in Nigeria needs an airport more than Kogi. Ameh argued that the project does not reflect the most pressing needs of the state’s residents.
According to him, Kogi remains largely agrarian, with a significant proportion of its population engaged in small-scale farming and rural livelihoods. He contended that many residents face challenges including poor road infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare and education, unreliable electricity supply, and restricted market access for agricultural produce.
Ameh further noted that Kogi State is bordered by several states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), many of which already have operational airports. He suggested that improving road connectivity and transportation links to these existing facilities would be a more cost-effective and practical approach.
The former IPAC chairman expressed concern over reports that the airport project could cost about ₦50 billion, potentially financed through bonds and other borrowing mechanisms. He argued that such funds could have a greater socioeconomic impact if invested in alternative infrastructure projects.
As an alternative, Ameh proposed the development of a high-capacity rail system linking Kogi State directly to the FCT. He said such a project could ease commuting challenges for residents working in Abuja, enhance the transportation of agricultural goods to urban markets, attract business investment, and stimulate job creation.
He also cited the example of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State, which has faced operational and infrastructure challenges since its commissioning, as a cautionary case regarding large-scale airport investments in states with limited economic activity.
Ameh urged the Kogi State Government to reconsider the airport plan and instead prioritize projects that, in his view, would deliver broader and more immediate benefits to residents, including road development, rail transport, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
The Kogi State Government has maintained that the proposed airport is part of its long-term development strategy aimed at boosting investment and economic growth.
