Governor Umar Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State has said that his administration will not be deterred in its plan to build a befitting cargo airport in Karshi Development area of Karu local government area.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media to the Governor Alhaji Sani Musa Mairiga told newsmen yesterday in Abuja that the state government will not succumb to cheap blackmail on the project, saying the mini airport in Lafia will be completed before the end of the year.

"My boss is committed more to take Nasarawa State to an enviable heights and I want to tell you without mincing words that the airport projects decision by his Excellency has come to stay, there is no going back.

"I also want to shed more light. The claim that over N9.5 billion was earmarked by the state government for the construction of the Karshi cargo airport is not true. It is a public private partnership between the Nasarawa State government and some foreign firms.

"The state government will only provide land for the project. It is only that of Lafia in the state capital that will cost us less than N2 billion," Mairiga explained.

He said the cargo airport when completed will ease pressure on the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and create job opportunities for youths and enhance the state revenue generation.

He urged the people of the state to support the airport projects and other activities of the administration.