FEC approves Gboko airstrip to boost security operations in Benue

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve emergency response across the state and the Middle Belt region.

The approval was granted at Tuesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said the airstrip would serve as an operational base for security agencies combating banditry, terrorism and other security threats in Benue and neighbouring states.

According to Keyamo, the contract for the project was awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦34.39 billion.

He explained that Gboko occupies a strategic position in the Middle Belt because of its importance as an agricultural hub and its proximity to areas experiencing persistent security challenges.

“For us in aviation, we just had one memo. We sought council’s approval for the construction and development of the Gboko airstrip in Benue State, and it was graciously approved by council,” Keyamo said.

He noted that beyond supporting military and security operations, the facility would also provide a base for humanitarian interventions and emergency medical services.

“It will also be a base for humanitarian activities and services and emergency medical services. That is how important that area is, and we thought it was important to put an airstrip there to confront and address these challenges we are facing around the axis,” he added.

The approval comes amid growing security concerns in Benue State, where communities have repeatedly come under attacks by armed groups, resulting in deaths, displacement of residents and destruction of property.

Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council also approved the upgrade of the Snake Bite Treatment Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, into the National Snake Bite Research and Medical Centre.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the upgraded centre would have an expanded mandate covering specialised clinical services, research and training to address the growing burden of snakebite cases across the country.

According to him, Nigeria records more than 43,000 snakebite cases annually, many of which result in deaths, disabilities and severe socio-economic consequences, particularly among farmers, herders, hunters, women and children.

The council also approved the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas-powered blood donation medical clinic vans for the National Blood Service at a cost of about ₦6.9 billion to improve blood collection and distribution nationwide.

In addition, FEC approved the procurement of ₦62 billion worth of tuberculosis commodities to strengthen Nigeria’s response to tuberculosis and reduce dependence on foreign support, as well as ₦25 billion for reproductive health drugs and commodities through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.