Ekiti Cargo Airport Marks New Phase in Nigeria’s Aviation Growth — Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as a major milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector, saying it signals “a new era of aviation development” in the country.

Speaking through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yakubu Adam, during the commencement of commercial flight operations by United Nigeria Airlines on Wednesday, Keyamo said the airport embodies President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and showcases Ekiti State’s strong economic potential.

“History is made in Ekiti with this inaugural flight. We celebrate not just the takeoff, but a new era in aviation development for Ekiti and Nigeria,” the minister stated, praising the project as a model for job creation and national economic expansion.

The airport hosted its first commercial landing at 11:00 a.m. as United Nigeria Airlines flight UN 0622 arrived from Abuja. Dignitaries present included Governor Biodun Oyebanji, former governors Segun Oni, Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, and Kayode Fayemi, as well as Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The return flight, UN 0623, departed for Lagos at 12:13 p.m.

Senate Leader Bamidele, who led a team of federal lawmakers from the state, commended Governor Oyebanji for uniting former governors to deliver the project successfully.

Elder statesman and ABUAD founder, Aare Afe Babalola, represented by Vice Chancellor Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, applauded the governor’s determination and proposed a modern railway linking Osogbo, Ado-Ekiti, and Onitsha to strengthen regional transportation.

United Nigeria Airlines Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, thanked the state government for providing a supportive operational environment, promising safe operations and plans to expand routes. He also highlighted the importance of government continuity in completing large-scale infrastructure projects.

CCECC Nigeria Ltd Executive Director, John Zhao, described the airport as a key milestone marking Ekiti’s emergence as a functional aviation hub. Project Manager Joseph Yu credited strong collaboration between the state government and the aviation ministry for successful delivery of the runway and associated facilities.

Governor Oyebanji disclosed that a total of N49.7 billion has been invested in the airport project, including N14 billion spent during former Governor Fayemi’s administration. The funding covered land compensation, site clearing, regulatory approvals, runway and terminal construction, access roads, perimeter fencing, aprons, power supply, and firefighting systems.

He thanked past governors and private sector contributors, including Aare Babalola, stressing that the fully operational airport is set to accelerate commerce, logistics, and overall development across Ekiti State.

Opinion Nigeria News