Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has expressed strong confidence that the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan will be completed and ready for use by September 2025.
The governor made this declaration during a special plenary session held at the Oyo State House of Assembly, where he delivered a State Address.
Governor Makinde, addressing the lawmakers and stakeholders present at the Assembly complex, assured the people of Oyo State that they will soon be able to board flights directly from Ibadan. He emphasized that construction work is currently progressing at an accelerated pace, despite various challenges, and that his administration remains determined to deliver the project on schedule.
The governor’s announcement was met with resounding applause and expressions of joy from members of the Assembly and attendees, signaling the significance of the development to the state’s economic and infrastructural growth.
In a show of support, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, praised Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership and collaborative style of governance. He highlighted the governor’s commitment to delivering impactful projects that reflect the aspirations of the people.
As part of efforts to upgrade the airport to international standards, the Oyo State Government is currently facilitating the installation of state-of-the-art Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), a critical component for modern airport operations. This initiative was confirmed in a press statement released on Wednesday, June 18, by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
According to Oyelade, the State Executive Council has approved the sum of ₦14,296,507,000 for the procurement and installation of the ILS equipment. He explained that the ILS is essential for enabling aircraft to land safely, particularly under poor weather conditions or limited visibility.
The commissioner noted that an earlier system installed by the Federal Government had become non-functional, prompting the state to take full responsibility for acquiring and installing a new system. The entire process is expected to be completed within six months.
The airport upgrade project, which was officially flagged off on September 18, 2024, was temporarily shut down in March 2025 to allow for uninterrupted construction and fast-track its delivery. Governor Makinde’s administration has since intensified efforts to meet the completion targets.