By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
The Benue State Government’s decision to commission the construction of a modern international airport has been described as a visionary move that could revolutionize the state’s economy.
Director General, Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, BIDC, Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima who made the observation, Sunday, in Makurdi, in a statement noted that by providing efficient logistics and global connectivity, the airport will enable farmers to sell their produce directly to international markets, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing profits.
He equally described the Current State of Agriculture in Benue as the backbone of the state’s economy with an employment capacity of over 70 percent of the state’s population, lamenting that despite its fertile soil and abundant produce, the state suffers from poor market access and high transportation costs, leading to significant post-harvest losses estimated in billions of naira annually.
Viashima noted that with an international standard airport, farmers could sell fresh produce directly to global markets, reducing losses and increasing income in addition to the creation of thousands of new jobs across farming, packaging, logistics, hospitality, and aviation.
He also explained that by joining Nigeria’s export hubs, Benue could earn significant foreign exchange from agricultural exports, noting that the airport would serve as a signal to investors that Benue is open for business, attracting local and foreign investment.
According to Viashima, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has taken a structured approach to the airport project, tying it to an export/import processing zone and incorporating phased development, adding that the project is capable of generating real trade and revenue, avoiding the mistakes of past administrations.
He also argued that the airport project is a bold step toward Benue’s transformation, positioning the state as a central player in regional and international trade, insisting that with its potential to boost agriculture, create jobs, and attract investment, the project is a game-changer for Benue’s economy.