…Lays foundation for new int’l terminal building
By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Oyo State government on Friday apologize to travellers and residents over the disruption caused by the ongoing upgrade of the Ibadan Airport.
This is as the government turned the sod for a new Terminal Building that will accommodate at least one million passengers annually.
Chairman, Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee, Mr Bimbo Adekanbi while speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the international terminal on said the government was aware of the inconvenience the project might cause.
He said, “We want to apologize in advance, especially to the people of Oyo State and other travellers, for the disruption this project might cause. We know it’s inevitable, but we will keep the public informed as it happens.”
He explained that the upgrade project, which started in September 2024, is divided into two phases. The first phase, which is 30-40 percent completed, includes the extension of the runway, upgrade of airfield lighting, and expansion of the apron, adding that the sod turning is a symbolic day marking the start of Phase 2, which is the terminal building.
The chairman noted that the project would boost the state’s economy and make the airport a hub for international flights. “We believe that Ibadan is very ripe to take away a lot of international traffic. Ibadan has a lot of agrarian communities, and we believe that there’s going to be a cargo element to this airport,” he said.
Adekanbi attributed the project’s progress to the competence of the contractor and the committee overseeing the project, adding, “the contractor is very competent. The committee that is overseeing the project has a lot of aviation consultants and experts. We have a former MD of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Dr. Wale Babalaki, who is an aviation person, and an Air Vice Marshal, who is also the Director of the Federal Airspace.
He maintained that the new Terminal Building, which will be constructed by Messrs Craneburg Construction Ltd, represented a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of Governor Makinde.
Recall that in September 2024, the Oyo State governor 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 airports cargo handling capacity and position the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport 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, His Excellency Engineer 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.
“Governor Makinde’s foresight and dedication to ensuring a world-class facility for the people of Oyo State stand as an inspiring example of visionary governance.
“His tireless work ethic and unwavering focus on sustainable development ensure that this airport will become a symbol of progress, prosperity, and pride for us all.”
Adekanmbi, who stated that the government had made tremendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project, explained that the state-of-the-art Terminal Building that will be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 will accommodate up to one million passengers annually, which is a massive increase from the current capacity of 100,000.
“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.
“The Oyo State Government remains steadfast in its dedication to improving infrastructure, fostering economic opportunities, and ensuring sustainable development for all. Through projects like this, we are not only investing in physical structures but also in the future prosperity and well-being of our citizens”, he added.
The Ibadan Airport upgrade project has received widespread praise from stakeholders, including the chairman of the Airport Communities, Dr. Duro Ogunsesan, who commended Governor Makinde for transforming the state.
He noted that the governor has given the airport a massive facelift, which is part of his efforts to develop the state.
Edmond Maalouf, Senior Manager at Craneburg Construction, assured that the project will be delivered on time, while Site Engineer Oliver Makhlouf explained the success recorded so far on the upgrade of the airport runway.
Engr. Adejare Abiola, Director of Engineering at the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), also lauded the governor for his efforts, stating, “We want to appreciate the Executive Governor of the state for what he has been doing… Today again, he has fulfilled another promise and we, as FAAN, are ready to support him and the Airport.”
The Airport Manager, Mr. Francis Balogun, and representatives of various airlines, including Air Peace, Green Africa, and Overland, also commended the state government on the project. They praised the governor’s commitment to developing the state’s infrastructure, which is expected to boost the local economy.
Air Vice Marshall Victor Ajiboye, a member of the Airport Upgrade Committee, expressed his gratitude to Governor Makinde “for his unwavering commitment to the development of Oyo State.”
He also lauded the committee members for their hard work, charging them to continue working together to drive the project forward. With the project expected to be completed within 18 months, as promised by Governor Makinde,¹ stakeholders are optimistic about the airport’s potential to transform the state’s economy.
In attendance at the event were the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Prof Dahud Shangodoyin; Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; and Director-General of the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency (OYSIPA), Mr Olatilewa Folami.
Other members of the Airport Upgrade Committee in attendance included Ms Sheyifunmi Peace Akinbohun (secretary); Alhaji Kabiru Mohammed; and Engr. Ademola Aderinto, among others.
