Ekiti State has officially launched commercial operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, marking a major milestone in regional development. Governor Biodun Oyebanji revealed that the state has invested a total of N49.7 billion in the airport, with over N34 billion spent by his administration in the last three years to finalize civil works, regulatory requirements, and installations. Previous administrations contributed N14 billion toward initial construction, compensation, and site preparation.
The airport project was initially conceived under former Governor Segun Oni, progressed under Ayodele Fayose in 2019, and saw test flights under Dr. Kayode Fayemi before being completed by Oyebanji’s team. Non-scheduled flight operations were approved late last year, culminating in Wednesday’s commercial launch. The inaugural flight, operated by United Nigeria Airlines, transported passengers from Abuja, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, and later departed for Lagos with another group of travelers.
Oyebanji detailed that previous funds were used for major civil works, including runway construction, terminal building, parts of the control tower, service roads, fencing, and aprons. His administration focused on completing the terminal and control tower, perimeter fencing, service roads, runway strip, earthworks, drainage systems, and second-phase compensation. Additionally, the state installed an Instrument Landing System and partnered with Reeve Energy Nigeria Ltd. through a PPP arrangement to build an aviation fuel tank, while staff quarters are still under construction.
The governor commended former administrations for their contributions and acknowledged Aare Afe Babalola, who donated navigational equipment valued at $1.6 million and constructed a 100-car capacity parking lot worth N356.7 million. He emphasized that the airport will facilitate trade, tourism, logistics, global exports, and agricultural investments, stating, “With this airport, we are bringing markets closer to our people and bringing the world closer to Ekiti.”
Permanent Secretary Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, representing the Minister of Aviation, described the launch as a “historic milestone” and a testament to government commitment to job creation and aviation growth. Former Governor Fayemi praised Oyebanji for completing the project despite fiscal challenges and acknowledged the contractors’ dedication. CCECC Nigeria Ltd., the main contractor, called the airport a “new sky gateway” for the state, while United Nigeria Airlines announced plans to introduce student flight discounts soon.
The event attracted a wide array of dignitaries, including former Ekiti governors Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose, all National Assembly members from the state, commissioners, and former deputy governors Abiodun Aluko and Paul Alabi.
