The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, yesterday, laid the foundation for the construction of N62.8 billion Gusau International Airport, aimed at boosting the state’s economy, especially in agriculture, tourism and education, among others.
Keyamo, who lauded the project, said Gusau International Airport would be historic as it would open another chapter for a new Zamfara after completion of the airport, saying: “I always said that in the North-West of Nigeria, Zamfara State has been sub- changed in respect of these past facilities. Other parts of the North-West have good airports; the people of those states have access to transport by air, but Zamfara State has long been left behind.
“When you look at what Zamfara critically possessed in terms of agricultural process, it stands out as the food basket of the entire North-West. This is a proper home. It has all the logistic facilities and a better place to be an agro home of the North-West.” Despite the fact that Zamfara is far behind other states in the North-West, it will be an advantage as, according to him, time has come when it is going to witness a much modern airport than other states from the North-West.
“It is necessary to connect every parts of the country with roads network; it has became necessary to connect all part of the country by air as it is important both socially and economically,” he said.
In his speech, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, expressed his appreciation for the commencement of the project, assuring of its completion in 30 months.
The governor noted that the economic benefits of an airport could never be overemphasized , adding that it “has tremendous impact on agricultural business and other social transactions in Zamfara State”.
