In a major boost to Nigeria’s aviation and regional development, scheduled commercial flights have officially commenced at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu Remo, Ogun State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun on Friday inaugurated the first commercial flight operated by ValueJet Airlines to Abuja, describing the milestone as a validation of Ogun State’s growing economic potential and a testament to visionary leadership.
Speaking during the inauguration, Abiodun lauded his predecessors for their foresight in initiating the airport project and choosing its strategic location, which he said would play a vital role in driving industrial and commercial growth across the Gateway State.
“Our vision for Ogun State is to provide focused and cohesive governance while creating an enabling environment for public-private partnerships,” the governor stated.
“This multi-modal transportation plan — connecting road, rail, air, and water — is designed to bring more people to live, work, and invest in our state.”
The governor praised the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation agencies for ensuring that the airport met all regulatory requirements. He also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), and his team for their guidance in delivering what he described as the fastest-built airport terminal in Nigeria.
Abiodun further acknowledged the commitment of the ValueJet Airlines management and members of the project implementation committee for their collaboration and technical input that brought the facility to completion.
He recalled that the airport project began in 2021, with the first aircraft landing on its runway in February 2023, describing it as “a transformation from a once-encroached forest and dumpsite into a thriving aviation hub.”
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NCAA Commends Ogun’s Speed and Compliance
Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, commended the Ogun State government for its efficiency and compliance with aviation standards, noting that the Gateway Airport remains the fastest-built airport in Nigeria’s aviation history.
“As regulators, we ensured every procedure was followed. The Ogun example shows that with commitment and adherence to standards, state governments can achieve world-class aviation infrastructure within record time,” Najomo said.
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Ekiti Airport Secures Approval for Scheduled Flights
In a related development, the Federal Government has approved the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, effective October 4, 2025.
The approval, conveyed in a letter dated October 3, 2025, and addressed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, follows the expiration of the airport’s non-scheduled flight permit in December 2024 and the state’s compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).
According to the letter signed by Mr. Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA conducted a validation inspection between June 16 and 19, confirming satisfactory compliance with operational and safety standards.
The approval grants Ekiti Airport an interim six-month operational permit, limited to daylight (VFR) operations, pending full certification.
“This interim permit allows the airport to implement outstanding safety measures and complete the certification process for a one-year Aerodrome Operational Permit,” the letter stated.
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Ekiti Governor Hails Milestone
Governor Oyebanji described the approval as a “major economic breakthrough” for Ekiti, saying commercial operations at the airport would unlock new opportunities in agribusiness, tourism, trade, and medical services.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the project and acknowledged the foundational efforts of former Governor Kayode Fayemi and Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, for their instrumental roles in the airport’s realization.
Oyebanji revealed that the state was at an advanced stage of installing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enable night and all-weather operations, a move expected to enhance the airport’s capacity and reliability.
“This development further positions Ekiti as a destination of choice for people seeking where to live, work, invest, and relax,” Oyebanji added.
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Both Ogun and Ekiti states now join the list of subnational governments in Nigeria making strategic investments in aviation infrastructure, signaling a renewed drive toward regional economic expansion and improved air connectivity across the Southwest.
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