Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has underscored the strategic importance of the state’s ongoing airport project, highlighting its potential to transform transportation, attract investors, and foster economic growth in the region.
Speaking on the rationale behind the project, Governor Lawal emphasized the challenges posed by Zamfara’s geographical inaccessibility and prevailing security concerns.
“No right-thinking investor will come to Nigeria, land in Abuja or Kano, and drive seven hours to invest, especially with the negative security reports.
“We realised we need to open up the state, and the only way is to make transportation easier, where anybody can fly in,” he said.
The airport project worth N62.8bn was initiated in 2021 and is carried out by Triacter construction company. Initially envisioned as a cargo airport, the project has since been expanded to include facilities for both passenger and cargo services, complete with domestic and international terminals.
According to the governor, the dual-purpose design will not only improve mobility for investors but also enable him and other officials to manage time better.
“Right now, any time I’m going to Abuja, I spend the whole day traveling. With the airport, I can easily fly, attend a meeting, and return the same day,” he said.
The governor also outlined the broader economic benefits of the project, noting its potential to create jobs, boost revenue, and unlock new export opportunities. He revealed plans to collaborate with international partners, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, on agricultural exports, emphasizing Zamfara’s agrarian potential.
“If we get it right, you will see the number of cargo planes taking off from Zamfara. For instance, the Saudis were once ready to build an airport here because of a type of grass they need that is found in Zamfara,” he explained.
Governor Lawal however expressed confidence that the airport, set to be completed within months, would open new doors for the state, which remains the only one in Nigeria without an airport.
“Without the airport, you cannot think of tapping into these potentials. It is important,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Triacter Head of Engineering, Nicholas Kourtney, who took journalists on a tour round the construction project also hinted that the terminal building and control tower of the airport will be completed within a year.
