The Federal Executive Council has approved the concession of the Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport in Taraba State under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The project, regulated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), spans the agriculture, water resources, and aviation sectors.
A statement issued on Friday by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Ifeanyi Nwoko, revealed that the initiative includes upgrading an airstrip in Kashimbila into a Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport. The project also features over 3,000 hectares of farmland, fish farming facilities, and a livestock ranch.
Providing further details, ICRC Director General Jobson Ewalefoh expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for swiftly approving the project, which enhances Nigeria’s capacity for agricultural exports.
“The processes for this project were initiated and completed within six months, in line with the directive from His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to accelerate PPP project procurement,” the statement quoted Ewalefoh as saying.
He outlined the project’s scope, which includes the development of an aerotropolis, a Free Trade Zone with business parks, logistics hubs, and residential areas. According to him, the initiative will enhance agricultural logistics, improve market access, and stimulate economic growth.
Ewalefoh emphasized that the concession would boost agricultural productivity through year-round irrigation farming, generate employment opportunities, attract agribusiness investments, and drive local and national economic growth through trade and exports.
“With the Kashimbila project, regional integration will be strengthened, connecting Taraba State to national and international markets, facilitating trade, and creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” he added.
The DG disclosed that the project is expected to generate ₦4.1 trillion in revenue from multiple sources throughout the concession period. He also commended the relevant ministries for their collaborative efforts in advancing the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.
