Gateway International Airport, located in Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, has achieved a landmark feat as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted it the country’s first-ever Aerodrome Operational Permit (AOP). This certification makes the airport the first in Nigeria to meet the NCAA’s strengthened regulatory standards, setting a new precedent in aviation safety and operational compliance.
The airport’s credentials were further reinforced after the Instrument Landing System/Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) installed on Runway 23 received full clearance from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Following a detailed flight inspection on 4 September 2025, NAMA declared the system “totally satisfactory in all respects,” authorising its unrestricted use and signalling advanced readiness for full-scale operations.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, described the development as a powerful endorsement of his administration’s vision to transform Ogun State into a strategic hub for commerce, investment, and international connectivity.
“This milestone represents progress for both Ogun State and Nigeria. Gateway International Airport stands as a symbol of advancement and a new standard for aviation infrastructure across the country,” the Governor stated.
With these approvals, Gateway International Airport is poised to redefine air travel and trade in Nigeria. The facility is expected to ease congestion at Lagos airports, create direct global market access for agricultural producers, and provide thousands of employment opportunities for young people, while strengthening Ogun State’s position as a key driver of economic growth.
The achievement underscores Ogun’s leadership in aviation infrastructure development and affirms the state’s commitment to global competitiveness through world-class facilities.