The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revolutionising the state’s transport system with the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport (GIA), described as a landmark project that will redefine mobility, trade, and industrial growth in the region.
Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, said the successful certification of the Gateway International Airport by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) marks a turning point for Ogun’s economic and infrastructural development.
According to him, the airport’s approval for commercial flight operations is a testament to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision of positioning Ogun as a hub for industry, commerce, and global connectivity.
Dairo noted that the Gateway International Airport is designed with cutting-edge aviation infrastructure, making it one of the most advanced in the country.
“The journey started three to four years ago with construction, and now the state can boast of a fully functional airport equipped with modern facilities.
It has the longest runway in Nigeria, independent backup power facilities for uninterrupted runway lighting, a fully automated control tower, world-class rescue and firefighting systems, and a terminal building of international standard,” he explained.
He added that the airport also boasts a Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Radio Range (VOR) navigation system, cargo warehouses, and facilities to handle both domestic and international flights.
“These features place the Gateway International Airport in a league of its own. It is a clear indication that Ogun is ready to compete globally in terms of aviation infrastructure,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the NCAA’s certification, Dairo explained that the process involved rigorous safety checks and compliance with international aviation standards.
“The NCAA has raised the bar for airport certifications across the country, with a two-to-three-year ultimatum for all airports to meet current standards.
For Ogun State to secure certification on first application is an achievement we are very proud of. It shows the seriousness and commitment of the government,” the commissioner said.
With this certification, GIA has secured Nigeria’s first aerodrome operating permit under the new guidelines, setting a benchmark for other states.
Dairo emphasised that beyond easing passenger travel, the Gateway International Airport is expected to drive massive economic activity.
He stressed that the airport would serve as a logistics hub for cargo movement, thereby supporting the state’s industrial clusters and export ambitions.
“The Gateway International Airport is not just about air travel; it is about unlocking the full economic potential of Ogun.
Industries can now move goods faster, investors can fly in directly, and residents will enjoy easier connectivity. This project will catalyse trade, tourism, and job creation,” he explained.
With Ogun’s proximity to Lagos and its growing industrial estates such as Agbara, Sagamu, and Ewekoro, the new airport is expected to ease congestion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while offering businesses an alternative gateway.
Dairo also revealed that the airport is part of Ogun State’s 25-year transportation master plan, aimed at integrating road, rail, water, and air systems for maximum efficiency.
“The Gateway International Airport is a critical pillar of our transport blueprint.
Our long-term plan is to create a seamless transport network that serves residents, supports businesses, and positions Ogun as a logistics hub in West Africa,” he said.
According to him, the state has already begun implementing other components of the plan, including road upgrades, partnerships for rail connectivity, and interventions in water transport.
Aviation experts and stakeholders have commended Ogun State’s foresight, noting that the airport will decongest Lagos and enhance regional integration.
Logistics operators, travel agencies, and airline representatives say the GIA will provide much-needed relief for airlines struggling with delays and congestion at MMIA.
Economic analysts also project that the airport will attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into Ogun State, given its strategic location between Lagos and key industrial corridors.
“The Gateway International Airport will be to Ogun what Heathrow is to London—an economic enabler,” said Dr. Akin Olowu, an economist at Covenant University.
The Commissioner confirmed that the next phase for GIA is the commencement of full passenger and cargo operations, with discussions already underway with local and international airlines.
“As soon as operations begin, residents of Ogun will experience first-hand the benefits of this landmark investment.
This is only the beginning of the transformation of Ogun’s transport sector,” Dairo concluded.