By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has unveiled plans to construct a three-wing airport comprising international, domestic, and cargo terminals alongside an Export/Import Processing Zone on the Makurdi–Gboko road.
Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, disclosed this on Friday during a meeting with traditional rulers from Guma, Gboko, Gwer, and Tarka local government areas.
Ikyaan explained that the airport will be located on the left side of the road after Agasha junction, while the processing zone will occupy 100 hectares on the right side of the same area. He said Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed that the project commence immediately, but deemed it necessary to brief the traditional rulers first.
“The survey has already been carried out. What remains is proper planning of the area for ease of development,” the commissioner stated.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institutions, Ter Gwer, Chief Dominic Akpe, and Ter Gboko, Chief Gabriel Shosom, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a development that would ease economic challenges and address security concerns, including recurring herder attacks.
The monarchs expressed appreciation to Governor Alia and requested adequate compensation for indigenes whose lands would be affected.
They also commended the commissioner for carrying them along in the process and pledged to nominate representatives to monitor developments.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Surv. Matthias Antor, urged the traditional rulers to sensitise their people, noting that any correspondence not endorsed by the chiefs would not be recognised.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Eunice Ihu; Director General of the Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS), Prof. Daniel Amine; and other top officials.
