The Federal Executive Council has officially approved the concession of the Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport located in Taraba state through a Public Private Partnership agreement. This significant project, overseen by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, spans across agriculture, water resources, and aviation sectors.
As stated by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Ifeanyi Nwoko, the project involves the transformation of the Kashimbilla airstrip into a Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport. It includes the development of a vast area comprising over 3,000 hectares of farmland, fish farming facilities, and a livestock ranch.
The Director General of the ICRC, Jobson Ewalefoh, expressed gratitude for the swift approval of the project by President Bola Tinubu. The initiative aims to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to export agricultural goods. Ewalefoh mentioned that the project encompasses the concession of farmland for irrigation farming, airport upgrades for agro-cargo services, and the establishment of an aerotropolis and Free Trade Zone with various amenities.
Ewalefoh emphasized that the Kashimbila project will significantly impact agricultural productivity by enabling year-round irrigation farming, generating job opportunities, attracting agribusiness investments, and boosting local and national economies through trade and exports. The project is anticipated to yield revenue of N4.1 trillion from diverse sources during the concession period.
The DG acknowledged the collaborative efforts of relevant ministries in ensuring the success of the project and aligning with the President’s agenda for revitalizing hope in the country.