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The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria has closed for urgent necessary repairs The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Oyo State would be temporarily closed in order to conduct substantial upgrading works that will improve the airport’s infrastructure and operational standards.
The Federal Government of Nigeria had given its approval for the closure, which became necessary in order to facilitate the execution of critical renovations at the airport, according to a statement titled “Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan
Temporarily Closed for Upgrade Works” signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Customer Protection on behalf of FAAN on Saturday, March 22.
In accordance with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has accordingly shut down the runway and halted airport operations.
As part of the strategic that the Oyo State Government is pursuing to transform Ibadan Airport into an international airport, the planned upgrades are said to be taken into consideration.
It reads, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the temporary closure of Samuel Ladoke
Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, due to ongoing upgrade works.
“Consequently, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has closed the Runway and
the Airport in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.
“As part of the Oyo State Government’s initiative to upgrade Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an
international airport, various improvements and remodeling works are currently underway.
“In compliance with Aviation safety recommended standards and processes, the closure became
imperative to ensure the safety of passengers as well as airport personnel.
“FAAN appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during
this period.”
Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State visited Samuel Ladoke Airport yesterday. He said, “We inspected the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to an international airport. Work is progressing on the new terminal building and the expansion of the runway to accommodate bigger aircraft.”
Governor Seyi Makinde is determined that the stipulated standard of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is conformed with.
The second phase upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport that cost ₦7,008,688.00 (Seven billion, eight million, six hundred and eighty-eight thousand naira) was approved on February 25 by the Council according to the statement signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Oyo State and also published by IREPORT247NEW on 26th February.
Governor Seyi Makinde had said at the flag-off of the airport last year that the State will not compromise the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to International status and that all due diligence will be followed in this regard.
Several Aviation Experts from the Federal Airports Authority Of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Air Force, are members of the Airport Upgrade Committee.