A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has strongly criticised the proposed construction of an international airport in Kogi State, describing the project as unnecessary and a misplacement of priorities.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Okutepa faulted the decision of the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to award a contract for the airport project in Adavi Local Government Area.
The senior lawyer questioned the rationale behind the initiative, arguing that the state lacks the economic and infrastructural base to justify such a project.
“On the 12th of February 2026, it was reported that Kogi State government… awarded a contract for the construction of an international airport… but one is tempted to ask, does Kogi State need an airport, not to even talk of an international airport? I do not think so,” he said.
Okutepa further raised concerns over the scale and cost of the project, reportedly covering 4,000 hectares and estimated at ₦50 billion, insisting that the funds could be better deployed to sectors with direct impact on citizens.
“The land being earmarked for this wasteful international airport and the ₦50 billion can be put into useful agricultural ventures that can give meaningful employment to many of our youths and able-bodied men and women,” he stated.
He described Kogi as underdeveloped, citing poor infrastructure, lack of industries, and weak public services as pressing issues requiring urgent attention.
“Kogi State does not need an airport. It needs good roads, healthcare facilities, and a secured environment free from bandits and thugs,” Okutepa said.
The SAN also decried the state of healthcare, particularly in Kogi East, alleging that public hospitals lack adequate facilities.
“There are no functioning hospitals in the nine local governments in Kogi East… the existing hospitals are just mere consulting clinics with no good facilities to cater for the healthcare needs of the people,” he added.
He further criticised the state of infrastructure, including roads and power supply, noting that such deficiencies undermine the viability of an საერთაშორისო airport project.
“There are no motorable roads in Kogi State. Power supply is near zero. What does Kogi State have to build an international airport? What are international travellers coming to do in Kogi State?” he queried.
Okutepa warned that the project risks becoming what he described as a “fanciful elephant project,” alleging it could be used to siphon public funds.
“This idea of an international airport is not borne out of love for the people… It is one of those fanciful elephant projects to drain the resources of the state,” he said.
He urged Governor Ododo to reconsider the plan and prioritise investments in agriculture, healthcare, and job creation across the state.
“I appeal to the governor… to bury this idea of constructing an international airport. It is not viable. It is not needed. It is unnecessary and unreasonable. It is a gross waste and a misplaced priority,” Okutepa stated.
The senior lawyer maintained that addressing basic developmental needs remains far more critical to the wellbeing of Kogi residents than embarking on what he described as an ill-timed mega project.
