By Faridat Salifu
The federal government has approved the concession of the Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport in Taraba State, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, marking a significant move to foster growth in agriculture and logistics.
The approval, facilitated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), is part of the broader effort to integrate sectors such as agriculture, water resources, and aviation for enhanced economic development.
The project will upgrade an existing airstrip in Kashimbila into a fully operational cargo airport focused on agro-allied services.
The development will incorporate more than 3,000 hectares of farmland, alongside fish farming and livestock ranching facilities, creating a strong foundation for sustainable agricultural production.
The project will also include the creation of an aerotropolis and Free Trade Zone, complete with business parks, logistics hubs, and residential spaces.
ICRC Director-General, Jobson Ewalefoh, praised the swift approval process, noting that it had taken just six months from initiation to approval.
He emphasized that the Kashimbila project would significantly boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector by improving access to both national and international markets, particularly for the country’s agricultural exports.
“The upgrade of Kashimbila Airport will not only facilitate increased agricultural exports but also provide infrastructure to support year-round irrigation farming,” Ewalefoh explained.
He went further: “This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate significant revenue, estimated at N4.1 trillion over the duration of the concession.”
Ewalefoh expressed gratitude to the ministries involved for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the project.
