The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the construction of a ₦34.4 billion airstrip in Gboko, Benue State, in a strategic move aimed at enhancing security operations, humanitarian interventions and emergency response across the Middle Belt.
The approval, granted at FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, is expected to provide security agencies with a dedicated operational base to combat banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes in Benue and neighbouring states.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said the contract for the project was awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦34,398,211,538.64.
According to Keyamo, the new airstrip will play a critical role beyond security by supporting emergency medical evacuations, disaster response and humanitarian operations in one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions.
“Gboko is an important agricultural hub, but beyond that, it is a strategic location for confronting the security challenges around that axis. The airstrip will serve as a base for security agencies, humanitarian services and emergency medical operations,” he said.
The minister noted that the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to deploying aviation infrastructure as a tool for improving national security and accelerating emergency response capabilities.
In addition to the aviation project, the Council approved several key health-sector interventions, including the upgrade of the Snakebite Treatment Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, into the National Snake Bite Research and Medical Centre, with an expanded mandate covering clinical care, research and training.
FEC also approved the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered mobile blood donation clinic vans, the acquisition of tuberculosis commodities valued at ₦62 billion and the release of ₦25 billion for reproductive health supplies.
The approvals form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen critical infrastructure, improve public health services and enhance security across the country.
