The Federal Executive Council has approved the concession of the Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport in Taraba State through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
The project, which spans the agriculture, water resources, and aviation sectors, received regulatory backing from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
In a statement released on Friday by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Ifeanyi Nwoko, it was revealed that the initiative involves upgrading an airstrip in Kashimbila to a full-fledged Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport.
The project also covers over 3,000 hectares of farmland, fish farming facilities, and a ranch for livestock production.
Providing further details, ICRC Director General Jobson Ewalefoh expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the swift approval granted to the project.
Ewalefoh noted that the facilities will significantly boost Nigeria’s capacity to export agricultural products.
“The processes for this project were stated and completed in six months in fulfilment of the charge given to me by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate PPP projects’ procurement,” he said.
Ewalefoh explained that the Kashimbila initiative entails the concession of more than 3,000 hectares for irrigation farming, upgrading the airport for agro-cargo services, and developing an aerotropolis and Free Trade Zone with business parks, logistics hubs, and residential areas.
Located in Taraba State, the project is expected to improve agricultural logistics, expand market access, and promote economic growth.
The DG highlighted its potential to create employment, attract agribusiness investments, and stimulate local and national economies through increased trade and exports.
“The Kashimbila project will foster regional integration by connecting Taraba State to both national and international markets, thereby facilitating trade,” he stated.
He added that thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created, strengthening the region’s economy.
Ewalefoh also disclosed that the project is projected to generate N4.1 trillion in revenue from various sources throughout the concession period.
He commended the relevant ministries for their collaboration, which he said played a key role in advancing the project as part of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.