Aviation and aerospace development minister Festus Keyamo has laid the foundation for N62.8 billion Gusau International Airport.
The event signalled the commencement of work in the project designed to boost the state’s agricultural, tourism, and educational endowments.
Keyamo said the airport will be historic when completed, opening another chapter for a new Zamfara State.
He said, “I always said that in the Northwest of Nigeria, Zamfara State has been shortchanged regarding this facility. Other parts of the Northwest have good airports, and the people of those states have access to transport themselves by air, but Zamfara State has long been left behind.”
Keyamo, however, said, “When looking at what Zamfara critically possessed in terms of the agricultural process, the food basket of the entire Northwest stands out.”
The minister said that even though Zamfara is far behind other states in the Northwest, it will be an advantage. According to him, the time has come when it will witness a much more modern airport.
He said that as it is necessary to connect every part of the country with a road network, it has become necessary to connect all parts of the country by air as it is socially and economically significant.
The minister said the next intending pilgrims would take the flight to Saudi Arabia at a newly constructed Gusau International Airport.
In his speech, Governor Dauda Lawal expressed appreciation for the launch of the Gusau International Airport, which he assured would be completed within 30 months of the contractual agreement.
He explained that there is hope for the completion of the project, especially with the minister’s assurance of flying intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from the international airport next year.
Governor Lawal further said the economic benefit of flying from Gusau airport can never be overemphasised as it would tremendously impact agricultural business and other social transactions in Zamfara State.