Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport operates in line with global standards for facilities, safety, and management.
This, he said, is part of the broader goal to position the airport as a hub for both local and international air travel.
Governor Oyebanji made this known in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday while receiving top officials of AAC Management Limited, the newly engaged facility managers for the airport, led by their Managing Director, Christophe Penninck.
The governor said the decision to appoint a reputable airport facility manager was a strategic move to prepare the airport for scheduled commercial flight operations and ensure its long-term sustainability.
He described aviation as a critical driver of economic growth and development, particularly in line with the state’s shared prosperity agenda.
“Our administration views aviation as a major catalyst for economic development. This airport will not only impact Ekiti positively but also the Southwest region and Nigeria as a whole. That is why we went for one of the very best hands in the industry to manage it,” he stated.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
Oyebanji also commended Penninck for the technical guidance AAC Management Limited had provided, which he said played a key role in the airport’s smooth certification process.
He acknowledged existing challenges, including power supply to the airport, but assured that efforts were underway to resolve them.
According to him, the state is working with BEDC to connect the airport to the national grid and is also exploring a partnership with a private institution to link the facility to an Independent Power Plant (IPP).
The governor further revealed that plans were in motion to install an Instrument Landing System (ILS) before the end of the year to enable night-time operations.
He also expressed optimism about the airport serving as a hub for Hajj and Christian pilgrimage flights.
On road infrastructure, Oyebanji announced that the Federal Government had awarded the contract for the airport road and that the contractor would soon mobilise to the site.
He added that the ring road linking the airport road was on track to be completed by June.
“For us as a government, we are keen on attracting investors and tourists. Accessibility is key. The airport was conceived as a game-changer, and we are determined to ensure it meets the standards necessary for 24-hour operations,” he said.
“We’ve conducted traffic studies and know that the airport will serve not just Ekiti but also neighbouring states like Kwara, Kogi, Osun, and Ondo. With seven higher institutions in the state, we’re confident that traffic will grow steadily,” he added.
On his remarks, Christophe Penninck said the airport has strong potential for growth, especially with the state’s aggressive drive to attract investors and industries.
He disclosed that the airport was already generating revenue for the state and emphasised the importance of incentivising airlines to operate in Ekiti.
“We want to ensure the airport becomes profitable and develops the capacity to sustain itself,” he said.
