Hamza Aliyu
***urges data-driven execution, prioritisation of critical sectors
By Friday Idachaba
The Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) has raised serious concerns over the proposed ₦50 billion international airport project in Kogi State, cautioning against what it described as a potentially costly mismatch between ambition and economic reality.
In a statement issued in Lokoja and signed by its Executive Director, Hamza Aliyu, the civil society organisation acknowledged the state government’s move to sign the airport contract but stressed that such a major infrastructure investment must be grounded in verifiable data, fiscal sustainability, and pressing development needs.
Aliyu noted that while an international airport can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, its success is not guaranteed and depends heavily on demand, strategic positioning, and integration into a broader economic ecosystem.
He pointed to projections suggesting the airport may handle about 250,000 passengers annually, describing the figure as modest when compared to established hubs such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, which processes over five million passengers yearly.
According to him, the disparity underscores a broader pattern in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where traffic is concentrated in a few dominant locations, leaving many state-owned airports underutilised.
Aliyu cited examples in Jigawa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, and Bayelsa states, where airports built with substantial public funds have struggled with low passenger traffic, irregular operations, and weak economic returns.
“In many instances, these facilities have become underutilised assets that continue to exert financial pressure on state resources,” he said.
He further warned that Kogi’s proximity to Abuja raises the risk of duplication rather than the creation of new demand, unless the airport is anchored on strong, sustainable economic drivers.
Beyond aviation viability, INGRA urged the state government to reconsider its development priorities, noting that sectors such as housing, healthcare, education, and road infrastructure offer more immediate and inclusive economic benefits.
“With ₦50 billion earmarked for the airport, it is important to consider the alternative impact such funds could achieve if channelled into addressing housing deficits, improving road networks, and strengthening public services,” Aliyu argued.
The group also highlighted significant risks associated with the project, including underutilisation, high maintenance costs, and long-term fiscal strain—particularly if the project is financed through borrowing.
However, INGRA did not entirely dismiss the airport initiative. Aliyu acknowledged that, if properly conceptualised, the project could unlock opportunities tied to Kogi State’s economic strengths, particularly in agriculture and mineral resources.
He suggested that the state’s central location could support the development of a logistics and agro-export hub—provided the airport is integrated with efficient road networks, industrial clusters, and value chains.
Such outcomes, he stressed, would require deliberate planning, strong private sector participation, and sustained complementary investments beyond the airport itself.
INGRA ultimately called for transparency, fiscal discipline, and measurable benchmarks in executing the project, advocating a phased and evidence-based approach.
“Infrastructure should not only reflect ambition; it must respond to the realities of the people and deliver tangible, inclusive economic value,” Aliyu stated.
He added that the long-term success of the airport would depend not on its scale, but on its relevance, utilisation, and overall contribution to Kogi State’s economy.