Ruth Haines
There is currently no airport in Kogi State, Nigeria. Helicopters can land in several locations in the state, and there are airstrips in Adogo, Ajaokuta, and the state capital, Lokoja. In 2024, the federal government approved Kogi's bid to build an international airport in Zariagi, and the state government has confirmed that the project will boost the economy, create jobs, and bring the state to the global scene.
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What You'll Learn
Kogi State Airport is yet to be built
As of May 2025, there is no airport in Kogi State, Nigeria. While there have been calls for an airport in the state, and the Federal Government approved Kogi's bid to build an international airport in Zariagi in October 2024, the airport is yet to be built.
In January 2024, a viral video circulated on social media, claiming that an illegal mining site with an airport runway existed in Iddo, near the Mopa-Muro area of Kogi State. However, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Olorunfemi Fanwo, dismissed these claims as false. PRNigeria's Fact-Check team conducted a thorough investigation, including digital forensic analysis, satellite imaging, and confirmation from official sources, and concluded that there was no credible evidence to support the claim. They confirmed that while there are airstrips in the state, there is no infrastructure indicative of a full-scale airport.
Helicopters are able to land in several locations in Kogi State, and there are airstrips in Adogo in Ajaokuta and Lokoja, the state capital. However, these airstrips do not have the facilities for the landing and takeoff of commercial airlines. The closest airports to these airstrips are Lokoja airstrip, 40 kilometres away, and Akure airport, 130 kilometres away.
The Kogi State Government has recognized the importance of having an international airport in the state, citing its potential to boost the economy, create jobs, and bring the state to the global scene. The Governor has expressed determination to hire the best professionals in the industry to ensure the project's success and meet the required aviation standards. The airport will also have a capacity for cargo operations, which is one of the key focuses of the project.
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There are airstrips in Kogi State
While there is no commercial airport in Kogi State, there are indeed airstrips in the state. Helicopters can land in several locations in the state, and there have been calls for an airport in the state. The existence of airstrips in Kogi State has been confirmed by PRNigeria. One such airstrip is located in Adogo, Ajaokuta town, an industrial area in Kogi State, with a latitude of 7° 27' 15.59" N and a longitude of 6° 27' 23.99" E. This airstrip is known as the Ajaokuta Airstrip or Ajaokuta Airfield and is situated 22 kilometres southwest of Ajaokuta. It is important to note that this airstrip does not have airline services or facilities for the landing and takeoff of commercial airlines.
Another airstrip is located in Lokoja, the state capital, with coordinates of latitude 7.80095 and longitude 6.58210. This airstrip is closer to the Ajaokuta Airstrip, being only 40 kilometres away. In addition to these confirmed airstrips, there have been claims of an illegal mining site with an airport runway in Iddo, near the Mopa-Muro area of Kogi State. These claims were made in a viral video on social media, particularly Facebook, and included a map and a voiceover accusing unnamed elites and government officials. However, PRNigeria conducted a fact-check and found no credible evidence to support the existence of an airport runway at this alleged illegal mining site.
The Federal Government has approved Kogi's bid to build an international airport in Zariagi, recognising the state's strategic location and its potential to boost the economy, create jobs, and bring the state to the global scene. This development indicates a positive step towards enhancing the aviation infrastructure in Kogi State and harnessing the advantages of its central location in the nation. The Governor has expressed determination to hire the best professionals in the industry to ensure the success of this project, emphasising the importance of trust and standards in aviation.
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Helicopters can land in several locations
While there is no commercial or operational airport in Kogi State, helicopters can land in several locations in the state. This was evidenced when a helicopter conveying the former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, crash-landed in an ordinary field in Kabba, in the western senatorial district of Kogi State.
There have been calls for an airport in the state, with the Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, requesting assistance to build one during a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020. In 2024, the federal government approved Kogi's bid to build an international airport in Zariagi, with the aim of boosting the state's economy, creating jobs, and bringing the state to the global scene.
In addition to the proposed airport, Kogi State has several airstrips, which are stretches of land cleared for aircraft to take off and land. These include the Adogo airstrip in Ajaokuta, with a latitude of 7° 27' 15.59" N and a longitude of 6° 27' 23.99" E, and another airstrip in Lokoja, the state capital, located at latitude 7.80095 and longitude 6.58210.
However, these airstrips do not have the facilities for the landing and takeoff of commercial airlines. The Ajaokuta airstrip was listed among eight airstrips approved for renovation and improvement in the 2022 Nigeria national budget, with the goal of generating more income and revenue and facilitating transportation.
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The Federal Government approved an airport in Zariagi
There are conflicting reports about the existence of an airport in Kogi State. While some sources claim that there is an airport in the state, others refute this, stating that there are only airstrips in Adogo and Lokoja, the state capital, that do not have the facilities for commercial airlines to land or take off.
However, recent developments indicate that the Federal Government has approved plans for an airport in Zariagi, Kogi State. The Kogi State Government received a letter from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, dated 9 October 2024, conveying this approval.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Aviation Minister for their support. He assured the people of Kogi State that the administration of Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo was committed to the timely completion of the project, with strict adherence to regulatory standards and the hiring of top professionals in the industry.
The construction of this international airport is expected to have a positive impact on the economy of Kogi State, creating employment opportunities and positioning the state on the global stage. It is also anticipated to reduce traffic congestion on the Abuja-Lokoja road and foster regional economic growth.
With this development, Kogi State is set to join the league of aviation hubs and enhance its transport connectivity and economic diversification. The Zariagi airport is strategically located and is projected to serve ten other states, showcasing the potential of the state to the world.
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There is no commercial or operational airport in Kogi State
Kogi State in Nigeria does not currently have a commercial or operational airport. While there are airstrips in the state, these are not equipped with the facilities required for the landing and takeoff of commercial airlines. One such airstrip is located in Adogo, Ajaokuta town, with a latitude of 7° 27′ 15.59″ N and a longitude of 6° 27′ 23.99″ E. Another airstrip is located in Lokoja, the state capital.
In 2025, a viral video circulated on social media, claiming that an illegal mining site with an airport runway existed in Iddo, near the Mopa-Muro area of Kogi State. However, following a thorough investigation, including satellite analysis and official source confirmation, these claims were deemed false. No evidence of an airport or runway structure was found in the area, and the presence of such infrastructure would require substantial infrastructure, which would be challenging to conceal from satellite monitoring and local communities.
Despite the lack of a functional airport, there have been calls and efforts to establish one in Kogi State. In 2020, Governor Yahaya Bello requested assistance from former President Muhammadu Buhari to build an airport in the state. Additionally, in 2024, the federal government approved Kogi's bid to construct an international airport in Zariagi, recognising the potential economic and developmental benefits. The state government expressed its determination to hire the best professionals in the industry to ensure the project's success and meet the required aviation standards.
While helicopters can land in several locations within Kogi State, there is no commercial or operational airport serving the area as of 2024. However, with the recent approval of the Zariagi airport project, Kogi State is taking steps towards joining the league of aviation hubs and reaping the associated economic and connectivity advantages.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is currently no airport in Kogi State. However, there are airstrips in the state, such as the Ajaokuta Airstrip located in Adogo, Ajaokuta town, and another in Lokoja, the state capital.
Yes, the Federal Government has approved Kogi's bid to build an international airport in Zariagi. This airport will boost the state's economy, create jobs, and put Kogi State on the global scene.
The closest airport to Kogi State is Akure Airport, which is 130 kilometres away from the Ajaokuta Airstrip.
