The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the concession of the Kashimbila Integrated Cargo and Agro-Allied Airport in Taraba State through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
He said the FEC also approved the development of over 3,000 hectares of farmland, fish farming facilities, and a livestock ranch as part of the initiative to boost Nigeria’s agricultural export potential.
Ewalefoh stated that the project processes were concluded within six months, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to fast-track PPP procurement.
According to him, the Kashimbila project includes the concession of over 3,000 hectares of farmland for irrigation, the upgrade of the airport for agro-cargo services, and the establishment of an aerotropolis and Free Trade Zone.
“The Free Trade Zone will host business parks, logistics hubs, and residential areas, all within Taraba State,” he said.
He explained that the project aims to improve agricultural logistics, enhance market access, and drive economic growth.
Ewalefoh added that the concession would significantly boost agricultural productivity by enabling year-round irrigation farming.
He said the initiative is expected to create jobs, attract investment in agribusiness, and stimulate local and national economic growth through trade and exports.
“The Kashimbila project is projected to generate an estimated N4.1 trillion in revenue over the concession period from various sources,” he added.
He noted that the project would also promote regional integration by linking Taraba to both national and international markets.
“The initiative will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, foster economic development, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain,” he said.
