By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday officially opened the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport for commercial flights, marking a significant milestone after a total investment of N49.7 billion in the project.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held along the Ado–Ijan Road, Governor Oyebanji revealed that previous administrations had spent N14 billion on the airport, while his government injected more than N34 billion over the past three years to complete civil works, install critical equipment, and fulfill regulatory requirements.
The airport project, initially conceived under former Governor Segun Oni and commenced during Ayodele Fayose’s tenure, was further progressed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi — who initiated a test flight — before being finalized under the Oyebanji administration. Non-scheduled flights had begun last year.
The first commercial flight inaugurated at the airport was operated by United Nigeria Airlines, arriving from Abuja with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry Yakubu Adam Kofarmata aboard. The flight subsequently departed for Lagos.
Governor Oyebanji outlined that the recent expenditures encompassed the completion of the terminal building and control tower, perimeter fencing, runway strip, and the installation of an Instrument Landing System. He also noted a partnership with Reeve Energy Nigeria Ltd. to establish an aviation fuel tank, although construction of staff quarters is still underway.
The governor acknowledged a generous donation from Aare Afe Babalola, who contributed navigational equipment valued at $1.6 million and funded the construction of a 100-car parking lot worth N356.7 million.
Officials from the aviation sector hailed the airport’s launch as a pivotal development for the region. The project contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), emphasized the airport’s potential to stimulate job creation, boost exports, and attract investments. Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines announced plans to offer discounted flight rates for students.
