June 29, 2026 – Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved the construction of a N34.4 billion airstrip in Gboko, Benue State, in a major move aimed at strengthening military and humanitarian operations in one of Nigeria's worst-hit insecurity corridors.
The Council said the facility would provide security agencies with a strategic operational base to combat banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes across Benue and the wider Middle Belt.
Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said the Gboko airstrip would significantly improve security operations in Benue State and adjoining parts of the Middle Belt.
He disclosed that the contract was awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited at a cost of N34,398,211,538.64. According to him, the airstrip will not only enhance rapid deployment of security personnel but will also support emergency medical evacuations, disaster response and humanitarian operations in the region.
"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," Keyamo said.
Beyond the security intervention, FEC also approved a package of critical health-sector initiatives, including the upgrade of the Snakebite Treatment Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, into the National Snake Bite Research and Medical Centre, the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered blood donation clinic vans, N62 billion worth of tuberculosis commodities and N25 billion for reproductive health supplies.
More on Benue