The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement for the Kashimbila Integrated Cargo and Agro-Allied Airport in Taraba State, a move expected to generate a N4 trillion windfall over the concession period.
The deal, overseen by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), will see significant investments spanning the aviation, agriculture, and water resources sectors. A key part of the project involves upgrading an existing airstrip in Kashimbila into a fully functional cargo and agro-allied airport, facilitating export logistics for Nigerian agricultural products.
According to Ifeanyi Nwoko, Acting Head of Media and Publicity, the development will also include:
- Over 3,000 hectares of farmland dedicated to irrigation farming
- Fish farming facilities and a livestock ranch
- The establishment of a Free Trade Zone, business parks, and logistics hubs
Speaking on the project’s impact, ICRC Director-General Jobson Ewalefoh expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the plan swiftly, emphasizing its role in boosting agribusiness, attracting investment, and creating thousands of jobs.
“The Kashimbila project will not only enhance agricultural logistics and improve market access but will also integrate Taraba into both national and international markets, stimulating economic growth,” Ewalefoh said.
He also revealed that the estimated revenue from the concession stands at N4.1 trillion, making it a major financial boost for the economy. He further acknowledged the contributions of various ministries and agencies in advancing the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring a smooth inter-agency collaboration to bring the project to life.
