Zamfara State, created on October 1, 1996, from the old Sokoto State, has finally got its own international airport, marking a significant milestone in its development. The airport, built by Governor Dauda Lawal, is a major achievement for the state, which had been without an airport or airstrip since its creation. The new airport is expected to boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve access to the state.
The creation of Zamfara State was a result of a rigorous process that involved 72 requests for new states, 2,369 for local governments, and 286 for boundary adjustments. The state was carved out alongside five other states, one from each of the six geopolitical zones. The development was widely celebrated across the affected states, as the people finally had their own identity, capital, and control over their destiny.
For years, Zamfara State had been inaccessible, with travelers having to endure a seven-hour drive from Abuja through deplorable roads. The lack of an airport was a major challenge for the state, affecting its economic and social development. However, with the construction of the Gusau International Airport, the state has now grown wings and begun to fly, thanks to Governor Lawal's visionary leadership.
The Gusau International Airport, which commenced commercial operations on October 1, 2023, is an international-standard cargo and passenger airport. The airport was built from scratch in less than three years, without neglecting any critical sector or increasing the state's debt profile. The airport is expected to open up Zamfara State, granting access to investors and unlocking life-changing opportunities.
The airport is expected to create more jobs, reduce the unemployment rate, and significantly boost the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). With an airport, investors can now fly into Zamfara in less than 50 minutes, buy farm produce directly, and transport high-value goods to international markets in record time. This will generate more revenue for farmers, artisanal miners, and the state.
The airport will also address some of the state's lingering security challenges, enabling the rapid airlifting of security forces, surveillance assets, and emergency supplies. Additionally, the airport will help retain specialists, as Zamfara State now pays its doctors more than the Federal Government, making it attractive for specialists to care for citizens.
The Gusau International Cargo Airport is a game-changer for Zamfara State, providing a runway for sustainable development. The airport's construction is a major achievement for Governor Lawal, who has demonstrated political will and mobilized resources to build the airport. The state's 30th anniversary celebration has been marked with the launch of this critical infrastructure.
Key points
- The Gusau International Airport was built in less than three years without increasing the state's debt profile.
- The airport is expected to boost the state's economy, create jobs, and improve access to the state.
- The airport will enable the rapid airlifting of security forces, surveillance assets, and emergency supplies, addressing some of the state's security challenges.
