Opinion

What Governor A.A. Sule Should Do With the N9 Billion Lafia Airport Refund Fund

By Murtala Adogi Mohammed, PhD

Governor Abdullahi A. Sule has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and innovation, particularly in leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to drive infrastructure development in Nasarawa State. 

Lafia Cargo Airport — a strategic project that recently attracted a N9 billion compensatory refund from the Federal Government should be fully put into use to genertste more IGR. 

To consolidate the gains of this landmark infrastructure and fully unlock its economic potential, I strongly recommend that the N9 billion refund be invested in high-impact, complementary projects within the airport corridor. 

These investments will not only add value to the airport but also position Lafia as a new hub of economic activity in North Central Nigeria. Specifically:

1. Establish a Five-Star Hotel and International Conference Center Near the Airport. Modeled after successful examples such as the IBOM ICON Hotel & Golf Resort, this facility should cater to diplomatic, business, and tourism needs.

Given Lafia’s proximity to Abuja, the facility will serve as an attractive alternative for government events, business retreats, and overflow conferences — offering serenity, accessibility, and affordability. 

2. Develop a Man-Made Resort and Recreation Hub - Construct a man-made lake or eco-resort integrated with the hotel and conference center to serve as a leisure, wellness, and tourism destination. To be modeled  after ZUMA ROCK Resort to supports Abuja spillover demand for diplomatic, business, and leisure events.

This addition will help transform Lafia into a regional getaway for relaxation, boosting both local and foreign tourism.

Why This Matters & Strategic Benefits

1. Job Creation - Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created across sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics, and tourism.

2. Boost to IGR - These projects will significantly enhance Nasarawa’s Internally Generated Revenue through taxes, levies, and commercial activities.

3. Attracting Investment - World-class hospitality and tourism infrastructure will attract private investment and increase Nasarawa’s competitiveness.

4. Enhancing Airport Viability - These initiatives will increase footfall and usage of the Lafia Airport, making it a viable regional air logistics and travel hub. 

5. Regional Economic Integration - Lafia will serve as a strategic connector between Abuja and key states in the North Central and Northeast regions, supporting trade and mobility.

Governor A.A. Sule has a unique opportunity to build a legacy that transcends the lifespan of a single infrastructure project. 

Reinvesting the N9 billion airport refund into a tourism and business ecosystem anchored around the Lafia Airport, he can position Nasarawa State as a beacon of economic transformation in Nigeria.

Murtala Adogi Mohammed, PhD
Policy Extrapreneur & Futurist
Founder/Lead Strategist, System Strategy & Policy Lab

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