The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti has officially commenced commercial flight operations, marking a major milestone for the state’s aviation sector. The development follows earlier assurances by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who had announced that the airport was 99.5 per cent completed and ready for full commercial use.
Giving a breakdown of the project cost, the governor 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 stabilization works.
Other projects executed in this phase include the fire station, emergency operations centre, internal perimeter fencing, airport gates, the installation of specialized 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.
n his remarks, John Zhao, executive director of CCECC Nigeria Ltd, described it 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.
He said the project goes beyond infrastructure, describing it as a regional hub poised to deliver lasting economic and developmental benefits to Ekiti State and the wider region.
