Lokoja, Feb. 10, 2025 (NAN) The Kogi Government and major financiers of the N50 billion international Airport and N31 billion international market on Tuesday, undertook inspection of the sites for timely start and completion.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the airport project is sited on 4, 000 Square Meter of land at Zariagi, the international market is sited on 400 x 400 square meter of land along Hassan Katsina Road, Lokoja.
The government officials and financiers, who carried out the inspections included, MeAchem Enemaku, Director, Ministry of Transport, Mr Kamal Shuaib, Snr Analyst, One-17 Finance Services limited, and Thanni Mustakeem, Head, Sharia Advisory
Others are Amin Mohammed, Head, Public Sector, Eva Capital, Sani Hakeem, Mable Capital, and Mr Idris Shuib Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Finance.
Speaking at the proposed Airport site, Shuaib, said that One-17 finance services Ltd., the N50 billion issuing house to the state government and others were on the last lap inspection for the commencement of construction.
He said that his firm together with other financiers are committed to the construction of the international airport, which is on Sukuk and in accordance with Sharia law, aimed at discouraging sharp practices.
“We hope ta raise the N50 billion from the Capital Market on interest free basis considering the Sukuk and we hope to commence work as soon as possible.
“The project is so dear to Gov. Ahmed Ododo, and will be completed in two years time by the grace of God.
“Everything about the project is set including the site plan and huge land provided by the state government, who will take over the airport on completion and leasing period of between five and 10 years, ” he said.
At the N31 billion state sponsored International market, Mr Ben Omojola, the engineer of SABC Lt., construction company for the project, said that it is between 35 and 45 per cent completed.
Omojola said the project completion time frame is 36 months and that they had been on site working for 13 months with several structures like the banks, clinic and security post almost at roofing levels.
‘As constructors, we know how passionate this project is to the governor and we are doing all we could to ensure this market is completed as scheduled.
“Substantial funds have been released to us by the government and we have no reason not to deliver as expected of us, ” he said.
On whether the construction firm is facing any challenges, the site engineer answered in the negative, stressing that , “as it’s now, we don’t have any challenge, working is going well.”
In his remarks, the special adviser to the governor on finance, said the government would do all it could to ensure that the two projects are completed for the benefit of Kogi residents.
According to him, the two projects are government’s deliberate design in stimulating the growth and development of Kogi.
NAN reports that the two projects are Gov Ododo’s pet projects, which he hopes to complete within his first tenure. (NAN)
