Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially flagged off the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport, Alakia, setting the stage for its transformation into an international airport. The announcement was made in a statement by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the governor.
This landmark event follows the formation of an 11-man committee led by former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi. The committee was inaugurated in July to oversee the project, reflecting Governor Makinde’s vision for economic expansion through improved infrastructure.
Makinde has been unwavering in his push to upgrade the airport, which received federal approval after extensive efforts. Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, the governor emphasized that the project was carefully planned and aligned with his administration’s broader economic goals, especially in the area of agribusiness.
The decision to convert our existing local airport into an international airport was not a hasty one. It is a well-thought-out decision based on science, logic, and data. This vision is already four years old, and we laid the groundwork in our first tenure.
Governor Makinde's administration has already taken significant steps towards this goal, including the completion of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility, which has been concessioned to Bovas Group. In addition, various upgrades have been made to attract more airlines, increasing the number of flight schedules that include Ibadan.
The airport upgrade is seen as a critical piece in the governor’s larger plan to expand Oyo State's economy, particularly through enhanced connectivity and logistics for agribusiness. By converting the airport to international standards, it is expected to attract more business, tourism, and investment opportunities, further solidifying Ibadan’s position as a strategic hub in Nigeria.
Governor Makinde's initiative is not just about keeping up with other states but about creating sustainable economic growth grounded in careful planning and execution. This project is expected to deliver long-term benefits for the state and its residents.