THE Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has announced that the state’s airport is nearing completion and is expected to commence operations within the next four months.
Lawal, during an interview today, highlighted the significance of the airport in improving the state’s accessibility.
He noted that the lengthy and hazardous journey from Abuja, which can take up to seven hours by road, poses challenges for potential investors looking to reach Zamfara.
Lawal stated, “With all these issues, there’s no serious investor who would choose to drive from Abuja to Zamfara by road, spending seven hours. That’s my experience whenever I travel between Abuja and Zamfara. Do you think any investor would want to do that, especially with the insecurity challenges?”
He emphasized the need to enhance the state’s connectivity, saying, “Opening up the state requires an airport.”
“I’m pleased to inform you that the airport is nearing completion. Within the next three to four months, flights into Zamfara will be available, marking the beginning of positive changes as the state becomes more accessible,” Lawal added.
The governor revealed that this development will play a crucial role in addressing some of the security challenges that have affected the state, particularly concerning road travel.
“All these concerns about insecurity along road routes and the fear of attacks will soon be a thing of the past,” he said.
Lawal also mentioned improvements to roads within the state to enhance safety for travelers.
“When I took office, it was nearly impossible to travel 200 meters in Gusau capital on a decent road. During the rainy season, flooding was a major issue. Now, you can see the progress we’ve made in this area. This also creates jobs as it fosters business activities.”
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, had also officially launched the construction of the Gusau International Airport in June 2024.
The airport project is expected to be a “smart airport,” designed to accommodate both domestic and international flights, aligning with the governor’s commitment to revitalizing Zamfara as a leading commercial hub in northern Nigeria.