FG to generate N4bn from Taraba cargo airport concession

The concession of Taraba state's Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport under a Public-Private Partnership agreement has been authorised by the Federal Executive Council.

Approved under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission's regulatory guidelines, the project spans the aviation, water resources, and agriculture sectors.

Ifeanyi Nwoko, the Acting Head of Media and Publicity, said in a statement released on Friday that the project includes converting an airfield in Kashimbilla into a Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport.

In addition, there are facilities for raising fish, a ranch for raising livestock, and more than 3,000 hectares of agriculture.

In his remarks, Jobson Ewalefoh, the Director General of the ICRC, praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the project so quickly and for providing facilities that boost Nigeria's potential to export agricultural products.

“The processes for this project were stated and completed in six months in fulfilment of the charge given to me by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate PPP projects’ procurement.

“The Kashimbila project includes the concession of over 3,000 hectares of farmland for irrigation farming, the upgrade of the airport for agro-cargo services, and the development of an aerotropolis and Free Trade Zone with business parks, logistics hubs, and residential areas.

“It is located in Taraba State, Nigeria and aims to enhance agricultural logistics, improve market access, and stimulate economic development,” the statement quoting the DG read.
Among other things, the concession will increase agricultural productivity by allowing year-round irrigation farming, generate employment opportunities, draw in agribusiness investment, and boost local and national economies through trade and exports, according to Ewalefoh, who detailed the impact of the Kashimbila project.

According to him, the Kashimbilla project will improve regional integration by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs and connecting Taraba state to both domestic and foreign markets, which will facilitate trade.

According to Ewalefoh, during the concession time, the project is anticipated to bring in N4.1 trillion from a variety of sources.

In order to accomplish the President's renewed hope agenda, the DG praised the relevant ministries for their efforts in making the interagency collaboration a success.