The Federal Government has officially approved the commencement of Ekiti cargo airport commercial flight operations, marking a significant turning point in the economic and infrastructural development of the state.
The approval, effective from October 4, 2025, follows months of technical evaluation and regulatory inspections conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, described the approval as a historic milestone that underscores the government’s commitment to opening new economic frontiers for the state.
He noted that the newly inaugurated phase of Ekiti cargo airport commercial flight operations would catalyse investments in agribusiness, tourism, and logistics.
According to Oyebode, the airport is also at an advanced stage of installing an Instrument Landing System (ILS), a technology that will enable safe takeoffs and landings during night and adverse weather conditions.
This move, he said, will ensure the facility meets global aviation safety standards and enhances its reliability for both cargo and passenger services.
Governor Oyebanji Hails Federal Government’s Approval
Reacting to the development, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and aviation regulators for their support.
He described the approval for Ekiti cargo airport commercial flight operations as a major economic breakthrough for the state, stressing that it will strengthen Ekiti’s position as a viable investment hub in the South-West region.
Oyebanji said, “The commencement of commercial operations at the airport will boost agribusiness, tourism development, commercial activities, and medical tourism.
This project further positions Ekiti as a destination of choice for individuals looking for where to live, work, invest, and relax.”
The governor also appreciated the contributions of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who conceptualized and initiated the airport project in 2019, as well as the efforts of legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola and the Airport Committee for their unwavering commitment to ensuring the facility met all required standards.
NCAA’s Validation and Operational Permit
The Federal Government’s approval came after a successful validation inspection by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in June 2025.
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, and signed by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Godwin Balang, the NCAA confirmed that the airport had met all basic operational and safety requirements for scheduled flights.
The NCAA, however, issued an interim permit allowing only daytime operations pending full certification for a three-year Aerodrome Operational Permit.
The interim status, according to the regulatory body, will enable the airport to commence Ekiti cargo airport commercial flight operations while final adjustments and safety calibrations are completed.
Economic Impact and Regional Integration
Industry experts have hailed the approval as a game changer that will significantly transform the state’s economy and the broader South-West region.
The airport, strategically located in Ado-Ekiti, is expected to serve as a hub for agro-allied exports, connecting Ekiti’s rich agricultural produce to national and international markets.
The facility is also projected to stimulate employment, drive private investment, and boost tourism.
With its strategic location between major economic corridors, the commencement of Ekiti cargo airport commercial flight operations will ease logistics challenges for farmers and exporters in neighboring states such as Ondo, Osun, and Kogi.
Governor Oyebanji noted that the airport would not only promote the export of agricultural commodities like cocoa, cassava, and yams but would also attract investors in logistics, aviation, and hospitality sectors.
He added that the airport’s potential to host medical tourism operations could also make Ekiti a preferred destination for specialized healthcare services in the region.
A Symbol of Sustainable Development
The airport project, which began under the administration of former Governor Fayemi in 2019, aligns with the state’s long-term development vision.
Initially designed as an agro-allied cargo airport, the facility has evolved into a multi-purpose aviation center, offering both cargo and passenger services.
Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s determination to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of Ekiti cargo airport commercial flight operations through continued investment in aviation infrastructure, technology, and personnel training.
He also revealed that plans were underway to partner with local and international airlines to make Ekiti a viable aviation hub for cargo and short-haul passenger routes.
He said, “We are intentional about making Ekiti a state where innovation, agriculture, and infrastructure come together to drive prosperity. The approval for commercial operations at our airport is a testament to that vision.”
As Ekiti cargo airport commercial flight operations officially commence, stakeholders in aviation, agriculture, and tourism are optimistic that the facility will accelerate the state’s journey toward economic diversification.
Beyond its immediate benefits, the airport is expected to serve as a model for other subnational governments pursuing aviation-led growth.
With the Federal Government’s support and the NCAA’s oversight, Ekiti State now joins the growing list of Nigerian states with operational commercial airports — a significant stride toward regional integration and sustainable development.
