The Benue state government has revealed that it will construct an airport with international, domestic and cargo wings, as well as an export/import processing zone (EIPZ), along the Makurdi-Gboko road.
Frederick Ikyaan, commissioner for lands and survey, disclosed this on Friday during a meeting with traditional rulers from Guma, Gboko, Gwer and Tarka local government areas.
Ikyaan said the airport will be located on the left-hand side of the road from Makurdi, immediately after Agasha junction, while the processing zone will sit on the right, requiring about 100 hectares of land.
He said Governor Hyacinth Alia wants the project to commence immediately, but decided to consult the traditional rulers before taking further action.
In a statement by his media aide, Akaha Sule, the commissioner added that a survey of the land had been completed but that more planning is needed for smooth development.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Dominic Akpe, Ter Gwer, and Gabriel Shosom, his Gboko counterpart, described the project as a welcome development.
The chiefs said the initiative would help address some of their challenges, including security threats posed by armed herders, but called for adequate compensation for affected indigenes.
They thanked the governor for the project and commended the commissioner for carrying them along in the process, promising to provide representatives who will follow up on behalf of their communities.
Matthias Antor, special adviser to the governor on lands and survey, urged the chiefs to sensitise their people, saying any correspondence from the communities not endorsed by them would not be recognised.