The Patriot for Advancement of Peace and Social Development has described the re-awarding of the Gusau International Cargo Airport in Zamfara state as one of the most expensive airport projects in Nigeria.

The Zamfara State Government had revoked and awarded the construction of the airport for a whopping N62.8 billion.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal had recently invited the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo to re-flag off construction of the airport.

The Executive Director of the group, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi in a press release issued in Abuja said it has become necessary to put the record straight on the Gusau International Cargo Airport.  

While noting that government is a continuum, a relay race in which an elected leader completes his tenure and handover leadership baton to his successor for sustainable development, Shinkafi explained that it was absurd that Governor Dauda would revoke and re-award the contract at a much higher amount.  

He explained that it is on record that former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi (2007 – 2011), initiated the construction of the airport in 2008 and paid compensation to farmers for the land acquired for the project. “Shinkafi could not commence construction before he left office.”

He said Governor Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari (2011 – 2019), came on board but could not do much to execute the project as his government tackled other crucial issues in the state.

According to him, when Dr Bello Matawalle assumed office on 29th May 2019, in line with his progressive agenda and strong determination to create jobs for millions of youth, boost the state’s industrial development, agriculture, mining, tourism and other social amenities, he considered the Gusau International Cargo Airport a legacy project for the rejuvenation of socio-economic development of Zamfara State.

“Conscious of the short, medium and long term benefits of the airport project, Bello Matawalle followed due process and awarded the contract for the construction of the airport to AVIC International Engineering Limited at the modest sum of ₦11,444,056,018.07.”