The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given the green light to the concession of the Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport in Taraba State under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The project, approved under the regulatory guidance of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), will transform an existing airstrip at Kashimbilla into a state-of-the-art Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport while also harnessing over 3,000 hectares of farmland, fish farming facilities, and a ranch for livestock farming.
A statement issued on Friday by Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Ifeanyi Nwoko, explained that the multifaceted project cuts across the agriculture, water resources, and aviation sectors, underscoring the government’s renewed commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s export potential and stimulating economic development.
Director General of the ICRC, Jobson Ewalefoh, provided further insights into the project during a press briefing. “The processes for this project were stated and completed in six months in fulfillment of the charge given to me by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate PPP projects’ procurement,” Ewalefoh said. He continued:
“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.”
Agbau Kefas, Taraba State Governor
Ewalefoh emphasized that the concession will boost agricultural productivity by enabling year-round irrigation farming, create employment opportunities, attract investment in agribusiness, and stimulate both local and national economies through enhanced trade and exports. He also disclosed that the project is expected to generate revenue of approximately N4.1 trillion from multiple sources over the concession period.
The Director General expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the speedy approval and to the relevant ministries for their collaborative efforts in realizing this ambitious project. “This initiative not only increases Nigeria’s potential to export agricultural products but also paves the way for regional integration by connecting Taraba State to national and international markets,” he added.
By converging developments in agriculture, water resources, and aviation, the Kashimbila project represents a bold step towards the renewed hope agenda of the President, aiming to drive economic transformation and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. As the FEC’s approval sets the stage for further inter-agency collaboration, stakeholders across sectors are optimistic that the project will serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth and improved market access in Nigeria.
With the FEC’s approval, the project now moves to the next phase of implementation, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to leverage PPP arrangements for infrastructural and economic development.
