The Kogi government has approved the award of a contract for the dualisation of a 9.1-kilometre road leading to the proposed Kogi Airport.

Mohammed Yusuf, the commissioner for works and transport, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lokoja during the presentation of the award certificate to the contractor.

Mr Yusuf, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Sagir Abdulsalam, said the contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) after a competitive bidding process involving five companies.

He said the project, expected to be completed within 18 months, would link the proposed ultra-modern Kogi Airport to the state road network.

According to him, the road project is part of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s economic expansion agenda aimed at improving connectivity, easing movement and attracting investment to the state.

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

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

He said the state government has commenced payment of compensation to residents of Zariagi, Kabba Junction and Irepeni communities affected by land acquisition for the airport project.

“The affected residents have been invited to the Kogi Bureau of Lands conference room from April 1 for the exercise and are required to present two passport photographs and valid means of identification,” he added.

Responding, Austin Qi, the project manager of CCECC, thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in the company.

Mr Qi assured that the firm would deliver the project to the highest standard within the stipulated timeframe.

Also speaking, Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner for information and communications, described the contract award as a significant step toward linking the state to the global economy through the establishment of an international airport.

He assured that adequate financial arrangements had been made to ensure the successful execution of the project.

Mr Fanwo urged residents to protect government infrastructure as the state continues to invest in critical sectors of the economy. 

(NAN)