Kogi govt advised to prioritise roads, schools over airport

2026-03-21 - 18:44

Strategic communication and political consultant Muyiwa Fatosa has questioned the proposed ₦50 billion airport project in Kogi State, arguing that the investment does not align with current economic realities, citizen priorities, or long-term value creation. In an opinion piece titled ‘Infrastructure or Illusion: Rethinking the Kogi Airport Proposition’, Fatosa emphasized that airports respond to existing demand rather than create it. He pointed out that Lokoja currently lacks the passenger volume, commercial viability, and economic ecosystem needed to sustain a functional airport. “Airports do not create demand. They respond to it,” Fatosa wrote. “Without these fundamentals, such projects risk becoming fiscal monuments that are expensive to build, difficult to maintain and disconnected from the everyday realities of citizens.” He raised a core concern: what problem is the airport solving? Fatosa highlighted more pressing needs across Kogi State, including poor inner roads limiting access to markets, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as underperforming public schools that undermine learning outcomes and human capital development. “At the same time, Kogi is witnessing increased mining activity with significant resource extraction already underway,” he noted. “However, the framework for value retention within the state remains weak.” Fatosa advocated for a more strategic, layered approach to infrastructure spending. He suggested redirecting funds toward targeted inner road networks to boost agriculture and trade, a comprehensive education renewal program to rebuild schools and facilities, and a clear mining accountability framework that ensures host communities benefit directly from extraction. He further proposed a modern transport integration model, recommending that Kogi partner with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Works to develop a rail connection between Abuja and Lokoja. “By providing seed funding and strategic support, the state can catalyze a project that links directly to the Abuja international airport, effectively giving Kogi access to global connectivity without the burden of sustaining its own airport,” Fatosa explained. “This model reflects global best practice, where secondary cities leverage proximity to major hubs through efficient rail systems rather than duplicating costly infrastructure.” Fatosa concluded that development must be guided by impact rather than optics. “Development is not about building what looks impressive. It is about building what works,” he stated. “Kogi State stands at an inflection point where decisions must be guided by impact, not optics. If properly redirected, the same ₦50 billion can transform roads, revive schools, regulate resource wealth and connect the state to national and global economies in a way that is inclusive and sustainable.”