From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State Government has taken a significant step in upgrading the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, as Governor ‘Seyi Makinde officially laid the foundation for a new terminal building on Friday. The facility is expected to accommodate at least one million passengers annually upon completion.
Performing the foundation-laying ceremony, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, Chairman of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee and former Commissioner for Finance, described the project as a crucial milestone in the ongoing transformation of the airport. He emphasized that the new terminal, to be built by Craneburg Construction Ltd, is a testament to Governor Makinde’s commitment to infrastructural development.
This development follows the first phase of the airport upgrade, which began in September 2024 with the extension of the runway to 3,000 meters to meet international standards. The entire project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, enhancing passenger flow, boosting cargo capacity, and positioning the Ibadan airport as a key aviation hub in Nigeria.
Adekanmbi highlighted the economic benefits of the upgrade, stating that the modern terminal would not only improve travel experiences but also attract investments and drive economic growth in Oyo State. He lauded Governor Makinde’s leadership, describing his vision as instrumental in making the airport a gateway for regional and international trade.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Duro Ogunsesan, Chairman of the Airport Communities, praised the governor for his efforts in transforming the state. Craneburg Construction’s Senior Manager, Edmond Maalouf, assured attendees that the project would be completed on schedule, while Site Engineer Oliver Makhlouf provided updates on the progress of the runway upgrade.
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), represented by Director of Engineering Engr. Adejare Abiola, commended Governor Makinde for his unwavering support, including the provision of security patrol vehicles for the airport. FAAN also urged local communities to avoid excavation near the airport perimeter to ensure compliance with safety and certification requirements.
Also present at the event were key government officials, airline representatives from Air Peace, Green Africa, Overland, and stakeholders from BOVAS, which operates the airport’s 500,000-litre aviation fuel facility. Air Vice Marshall Victor Ajiboye of the National Air Defence Corps, Nigeria Air Force, Lagos, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his dedication to Oyo State’s development.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin; Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Director-General of Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency (OYSIPA), Mr. Olatilewa Folami; and other key members of the Airport Upgrade Committee.