The Zamfara State government has started constructing an international airport to promote trade and tourism.
Governor of the state, Dauda Lawal, made this known when minister of aviation and aerospace, Festus Keyamo, officially unveiled the construction work on the Gusau International Airport, according to a statement issued by Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor’s spokesperson
He said the project is intended to be a smart airport designed to accommodate domestic and international flights.
The governor said the airport project would include the construction of a 3.4 kilometre primary runway suitable for large commercial aircraft, installation of runway lighting, and navigational aids.
Furthermore, Lawal said his administration is determined to transform the state into a compelling investment destination that would attract both local and international investors.
“It will have the capacity to land most aeroplanes. It is intended to facilitate more accessible and more efficient travel to and from Zamfara state, promoting social interaction, business and tourism,” he stated.
The governor said the project will be handled by Triacta Nigeria Limited with JBI Tech Consult serving as the consulting firm and will be completed within 30 months according to the contractual agreement.
Speaking on the project’s economic benefits, Lawal said it would provide direct air access to the state, eliminating the difficulties businessmen and women face when exporting and importing goods and services.
In his remarks, Keyamo said the state had previously been disadvantaged in terms of facilities, despite being an agricultural hub of the zone.
“But it is better late than never. An international journalist called me and asked whether Zamfara needed an airport. I firmly believe that having an airport in Zamfara is more than just a matter of commercial viability; it is a crucial social amenity for the people. Looking around today, I am convinced that the state is fully ready for this development,” Keyamo said.
