Kashimbila Airport Concession: A N4.1trn Boost for Nigeria’s Economy
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the concession of the Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport in Taraba State.
This 30-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement is projected to generate a substantial N4.1 trillion in revenue for the federal government.
This ambitious project, overseen by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), integrates the agriculture, water resources, and aviation sectors.
It involves upgrading the existing airstrip in Kashimbila into a full-fledged Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport. The concession also encompasses over 3,000 hectares of farmland, complete with irrigation facilities, fish farming infrastructure, and a livestock ranch.
Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, Director General of the ICRC, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift approval, highlighting its potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s agricultural export capacity.
He emphasized the project’s rapid development, stating, “The processes for this project were stated and completed in six months, fulfilling the President’s mandate to accelerate PPP projects.”
Ewalefoh detailed the project’s multifaceted nature: “The Kashimbila project includes the concession of over 3,000 hectares of farmland for irrigation farming, the upgrade of the airport for agro-cargo services, and the development of an aerotropolis and Free Trade Zone with business parks, logistics hubs, and residential areas.”
He explained that the project’s strategic location in Taraba State is designed to improve agricultural logistics, expand market access for local farmers, and stimulate broad-based economic development.
The ICRC Director General outlined the project’s anticipated benefits, including a significant boost to agricultural productivity through year-round irrigation farming. He also highlighted the potential for substantial job creation across various sectors, attracting significant investment in agribusiness, and stimulating both local and national economies through increased trade and exports. Furthermore, he emphasized the project’s role in enhancing regional integration, connecting Taraba State to national and international markets, and facilitating greater regional cooperation.
Ewalefoh acknowledged the crucial role of inter-agency collaboration in achieving the project’s objectives. He thanked the relevant ministries for their contributions, emphasizing their commitment to the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport concession represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s future. Its integrated approach, combining agriculture, aviation, and infrastructure development, holds the potential to unlock substantial economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance regional integration.
The projected N4.1 trillion revenue generation over the 30-year concession period further underscores the project’s potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
