Ekiti airport begins commercial flight operations

The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti has commenced commercial flight operations.

On January 21, Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, announced that the airport was ready for full commercial operations at 99.5 percent completion.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Thursday, Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti, said the launch marks “a new chapter” in the state’s transport infrastructure journey.

Oyebanji said the project represents a collective legacy built by four administrations, beginning with Segun Oni, who conceived the idea; Ayodele Fayose, who acquired and cleared the site; and Kayode Fayemi, who began construction six years ago.

The governor also expressed special appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support that enabled the state government to finance the project.

“Beyond infrastructural mileage, this latest achievement is another quintessential testimony to our commitment to the shared vision of a modern, prosperous and forward-looking state of our dream,” he said.

‘N49.7 BILLION SPENT BY STATE GOVERNMENT SO FAR’

He said the Fayemi administration spent N14 billion between May 2019 and October 2022 on compensation, site preparation, regulatory approvals and major civil works, including runway construction, terminal building, control towers, aprons, access roads, and initial firefighting equipment.

Oyebanji said when he assumed office in October 2022, “a lot was still outstanding”.

Since then, he said his administration has committed over N34 billion to the project, covering the completion of the terminal building, control towers, external perimeter fencing, service roads, runway strip, the second tranche of compensation, drainages, and other land stabilisation works.

Other projects executed in this phase include the fire station, emergency operations centre, internal perimeter fencing, airport gates, the installation of specialised aviation equipment — including airfield lighting, scanners, baggage handling systems — and the purchase of a second firefighting truck.

“Additionally, through a PPP model with REEF Energy Service Limited, we are building an aviation fuel tank to enhance the flexibility of airlines operating into the airport. As we speak, the construction of the airport staff quarters is ongoing,” Oyebanji said.

“In all, a total sum of N49,774,980,974.61 has been expended directly by the Ekiti state government.”

The governor acknowledged Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, for donating navigational aids, including CBOR-DME and control tower equipment, valued at $1.6 million.

“In addition, Are Afe Babalola has also built, that will be commissioned today, the 100-car capacity car park opposite the terminal building at a cost of close to N357 million,” he added.

Oyebanji praised him for his “selflessness, generosity and unflinching fatherly support”, describing him as the highest taxpayer and the largest employer of labour after the state government.

In his remarks, John Zhao, executive director of CCECC Nigeria Ltd, described the event as “a remarkable achievement”, noting that the airport had transformed from conceptual design to a fully operational aviation hub.

“For CCECC, it has been an honour to be part of this journey, from conceptual design to a project delivered and operating today, connecting to the global network,” Zhao said.

“This project is far more than infrastructure. It is a regional hub that will have a lasting impact on Ekiti state and beyond.”

He commended the federal government, Oyebanji, and the aviation ministry, saying the CCECC remains committed to supporting aviation development, enhancing air safety and attracting investment into Nigeria.