As part of Oyo State government’s efforts to upgrade the Samuel Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, to international standard, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, turned the sod for a new Terminal Building that will accommodate at least one million passengers yearly.
Chairman of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee and former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, who performed the foundation-laying ceremony, said the effort is another giant leap forward and a crucial component of the airport upgrade plan.
He maintained that the new terminals, which will be constructed by Messrs Craneburg Construction Ltd, represent a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of the governor.
Recall that in September 2024, Makinde launched the first phase of the airport upgrade project with the extension of the runway to 3,000 metres to meet international standards and regulatory requirements to accommodate larger aircraft.
The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, with Adekanmbi stating that it will ease the flow of passengers, boost the airport’s cargo handling capacity and position it as a top-tier facility in Nigeria.
He said: “Today, we embark on a remarkable journey that will redefine the aviation landscape of this region, opening up new horizons of opportunity, growth, connectivity – the commencement of the construction of a new terminal building at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport.
“This event represents not only the start of a major transformation but also a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of our Governor, Seyi Makinde.
“It is crucial to recognise the pivotal role airports play in the advancement of any region. They are not mere transportation hubs but essential catalysts for economic development, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“In Oyo State, we are incredibly fortunate to have a leader who understands the far-reaching impact of such investments. Under the dynamic leadership of Governor Makinde, Oyo State is poised to take a bold leap forward.”
“His Excellency has championed the development of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, not just as an infrastructural upgrade, but as a gateway to unlocking the immense economic potential of Oyo State and the entire Southwest region.
“His relentless pursuit of progress, coupled with his profound commitment to enhancing our state’s connectivity, is embodied in this grand project.”
Adekanmbi said the government had made tremendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project.
He added: “ This initiative goes beyond just expanding capacity; it is about creating a modern, efficient, and world-class airport that enhances the overall travel experience while driving economic growth, attracting investments, and empowering the people of Oyo State.
“With Governor Seyi Makinde at the helm, the vision of a fully integrated, globally competitive airport is becoming a reality.”
Also speaking, the Senior Manager, Craneburg Construction, Edmond Maalouf, said the project will be delivered on time, while the Site Engineer, Oliver Makhlouf, explained the success so far recorded on the upgrade of the airport runway.
Earlier, the Director of Engineering of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Adejare Abiola, who represented the chairman of the organisation, lauded Makinde for his efforts towards turning around the fortune of the Ibadan Airport.
Similarly, the Airport Manager, Mr. Francis Balogun, commended the state government on the ongoing upgrade of the airport.
Representatives of various airlines operating from the airport, including Air Peace, Green Africa, Overland as well as the representative of BOVAS, which operates the 500,000-litre Aviation Fuel Facility earlier constructed by the state government, also lauded the state government on the project.
In his vote of thanks, a member of the Airport Upgrade Committee, who is also the Commander of the National Air Defence Corps, Nigeria Air Force, Ikeja, Lagos, Air Vice Marshall Victor Ajiboye, commended Makinde “for his unwavering commitment to the development of Oyo State.”
Guardian
