Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has announced plans to ensure the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport operates 24-hour flights, positioning it as a key transport hub.
This initiative, he said, aims to enhance the airport’s competitiveness and attract more investment to the state.
Speaking during the March edition of his monthly media chat, Meet Your Governor yesterday night, Oyebanji highlighted the significant economic growth recorded under his administration over the past two-and-a-half years.
He reiterated his commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving the standard of living for Ekiti residents.
Governor Oyebanji revealed that his administration is in discussions with three major Nigerian airlines to commence commercial flights at the airport.
This move, he explained, would facilitate air travel, boost tourism, and support the transportation of cargo and farm produce to both local and international destinations.
Expressing confidence that at least two airlines would begin operations at the airport, he emphasised the need to install an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enable night-time and all-weather operations.
“To make the route profitable and competitive, airlines must find it viable,” he stated.
“Part of our strategy is to make it an airport of choice. By next year, we expect to run Hajj and Christian pilgrimage flights.”
The governor further disclosed that acquiring and installing the ILS would cost approximately ₦4.6 billion, but he assured residents that his administration is committed to making it happen before the year ends.
Once completed, Ekiti Airport would be the second in the South-West, after Lagos, to operate 24-hour flights.
Additionally, the government is engaging a vendor to establish a hangar for aircraft maintenance services and has commenced the construction of a cargo shed to serve as a storage facility for farm produce and cash crops.
Oyebanji acknowledged Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for ensuring its inclusion in the federal budget.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport received approval for non-scheduled flight operations for six months in December.
Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism that, by the time commercial flights commence, the airport would become one of Nigeria’s most competitive.
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Highlighting indicators of economic growth under his administration, Oyebanji pointed to the rise of new businesses, an improved investment climate, and increased government revenue.
He revealed that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has surged from approximately ₦600 million to over ₦2 billion monthly, attributing the rise to residents’ increased willingness to pay taxes, having witnessed their effective utilisation.
Dispelling claims that development efforts were concentrated in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the governor asserted that rural areas have also benefited significantly from infrastructural projects.
He reaffirmed his dedication to governance, stating that he would not be distracted by political activities ahead of the next election.
Governor Oyebanji also addressed concerns regarding financial transparency, stating that monthly revenue allocations to both the state and local governments are publicly available through the Accountant General’s office.
He emphasised that his administration does not interfere with local government funds, explaining that allocations from the Federation Account are directly disbursed through the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), as mandated by state law.
However, he monitors how council chairmen utilise funds to ensure that projects align with community needs and are executed satisfactorily.
With these ongoing initiatives, Oyebanji reaffirmed his commitment to driving Ekiti’s economic transformation and ensuring the sustainable development of the state.
