Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has announced that the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport will operate round the clock to enhance its competitiveness among airports in the southwest region.
Speaking during the March edition of his monthly media chat, “Meet Your Governor,” on Monday night, Governor Oyebanji highlighted the economic progress recorded under his administration over the past two and a half years.
He pledged to sustain the state’s development and improve residents’ living standards.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized his administration’s vision to transform the Ekiti Airport into a major economic hub, attracting investors and bolstering economic activities.
He revealed that discussions are ongoing with three major airlines to commence commercial operations at the airport.
The government aims to facilitate air travel, develop tourism, expand cargo transportation, and enable the export of agricultural produce to both local and international markets.
Expressing optimism that at least two airlines will commence operations, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to making the airport competitive. He outlined plans to install an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to facilitate 24-hour operations.
“The goal is to make the route profitable and attractive for airlines. If it is profitable, they will bring their planes. Part of our strategy is to make it an airport of choice, and by next year, we will be able to operate Hajj and Christian pilgrimage flights,” Oyebanji stated.
“To achieve this, we must establish infrastructure that guarantees 24-hour landing. The Instrument Landing System (ILS) enables night operations and allows planes to land in extreme weather conditions.
Currently, an ILS system costs approximately N4.6 billion, but we are determined to get it installed before the end of this year. Once achieved, Ekiti Airport will be the second in the southwest, after Lagos Airport, to have this facility,” he added.
The Governor further disclosed that discussions are ongoing with a vendor to establish a hangar for aircraft maintenance and services.
Additionally, a cargo shed is under construction at the airport to store farm produce and cash crops, a development he credited to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s efforts in securing its inclusion in the federal budget.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport received approval for non-scheduled flight operations in December for an initial six-month period. Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence that once commercial operations commence, the airport will rank among the most competitive in Nigeria.
Governor Oyebanji also highlighted key indicators of economic progress in Ekiti, including an increase in business activities due to a favorable investment climate, a boost in internally generated revenue, and improved security.
He noted that the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) has risen from approximately N600 million per month to over N2 billion, attributing this growth to residents’ increased willingness to pay taxes, seeing the tangible benefits of government initiatives.
Refuting claims that development is concentrated in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji asserted that infrastructure projects span all parts of the state, including rural areas. He reassured residents of his continued commitment to governance, undistracted by political activities.
Addressing concerns about the state’s finances, Oyebanji stated that all monthly receipts for the state and local governments are transparently published by the Office of the Accountant General.
He clarified that local government funds are handled in accordance with the law, under the oversight of the State House of Assembly’s Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC). He stressed that while he does not interfere with fund allocations, he ensures that council projects align with the people’s needs
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