Kogi Commissioner for Transportation, NCAA Officials and Consultants Conduct Kogi Airport Site Assessment

By Sa’adatu Mohammed Jumai

A joint team led by the Kogi State Commissioner for Transportation, Atuluku Victor Levi, comprising officials of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), representatives of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Arcaid Consulting, Femak Associates and officials of the Kogi State Ministry of Transportation, has conducted a comprehensive assessment of the ongoing Kogi International Airport project at Zariagi, Kogi State.

The exercise was aimed at reviewing the progress of the project, examining existing site conditions and ongoing construction activities, and ensuring that the development conforms with applicable aviation standards, technical requirements and approved project specifications.

The assessment also focused on civil aviation safety and regulatory compliance, the current level of development at the airport site, the suitability and readiness of areas earmarked for various airport infrastructure, as well as the quality and progress of construction works being undertaken by the contractor.

The team further examined technical and engineering considerations relevant to the airport’s development, identified areas requiring further attention, adjustment or improvement, and strengthened coordination among the regulatory authority, consultants, contractors and the Kogi State Government.

During the inspection, the delegation toured key sections of the project site, assessing ongoing works and the general condition of the facilities.

Officials of the NCAA, led by the Assistant General Manager, Engr. Martin Iveinagbor, focused particularly on aviation safety, regulatory compliance and the conditions necessary for the airport to meet applicable civil aviation standards upon completion.

At a technical session held at UrbanEdge Hotel, the Project Manager of CCECC, Mr. Sun Yish, provided detailed explanations on the ongoing construction activities, technical considerations and areas of work already executed.

Similarly, the Team Lead of Arcaid Consulting, Arc. Adedipe Eyitayo, offered professional and technical perspectives on the project, particularly on design, planning, engineering coordination and compliance with the overall project requirements.

Following the presentations, Engr. Iveinagbor raised fundamental observations and concerns regarding various aspects of the project.

The issues and enquiries were subsequently addressed by the technical team, with Engr. Iveinagbor and Arc. Adedipe providing clarifications on the observations raised by members of the assessment team.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Atuluku Victor Levi, commended the assessment team, contracting firms and other critical stakeholders for their concerted efforts and meaningful contributions towards the successful development of the airport project.

He also appreciated the stakeholders for providing relevant information, facilitating technical coordination and strengthening collaboration among the Kogi State Government, regulatory authorities, consultants and the contractor.

Levi emphasised the importance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that the Kogi International Airport project is delivered in line with required technical, engineering, safety and regulatory standards.

He noted that sustained cooperation among the relevant institutions would be critical to achieving a project that meets the required standards and serves the intended purpose of improving aviation infrastructure and connectivity in Kogi State.