Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has announced plans to make the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport a 24-hour operational hub. This bold initiative is set to transform the airport into a key economic driver for the state, attracting investors, facilitating air travel, and boosting the local economy.
The governor revealed this vision during the March edition of his monthly media chat, Meet Your Governor, held on Monday night. He emphasized that the goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the airport, which will play a vital role in improving Ekiti’s economic landscape.
Speaking passionately about the state’s progress, Governor Oyebanji noted that the economy had significantly improved in the past two and a half years under his leadership. He attributed this success to the government’s focus on fostering a conducive environment for business growth, improving the state’s internal revenue, and enhancing the welfare of the people.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, located in Ado-Ekiti, has already received approval for non-scheduled flight operations, and Governor Oyebanji is optimistic that it will soon be one of the most competitive airports in the southwest region of Nigeria.
To achieve this, the Governor revealed plans to partner with three major airlines in the country to commence commercial flight operations at the airport. These flights will not only facilitate air travel but will also support tourism, attract investment, and boost agricultural exports by providing direct routes for cargo transportation.
“Our aim is to make the Ekiti Airport a major hub that will drive the economy of the state. We want to attract investors, enhance trade, and improve our air transportation system,” Governor Oyebanji said.
The Governor also highlighted ongoing efforts to install an Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the airport, which will enable it to operate 24/7. The ILS, which is estimated to cost around N4.6 billion, will allow aircraft to land at the airport during nighttime and in adverse weather conditions, making it a more attractive destination for airlines.
With this technology, the Ekiti Airport will become only the second airport in the southwest, after Lagos, to offer such advanced facilities. The Governor assured the public that the ILS installation would be completed by the end of 2025, with the goal of having the airport fully operational for both passenger flights and cargo services.
In a bid to further boost Ekiti’s agro-allied sector, a cargo shed is also being constructed at the airport. This shed will serve as a storage facility for farm produce and cash crops, ensuring that Ekiti’s agricultural products can be efficiently exported to both local and international markets.
Governor Oyebanji thanked Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for facilitating the inclusion of the cargo shed project in the national budget, stressing that such initiatives are crucial to improving the livelihoods of Ekiti’s farmers and the state’s economic outlook.
“This cargo shed will make it easier for our farmers to transport their goods. It will open up new markets for their products, both locally and internationally. Our agricultural sector has great potential, and we want to harness that potential to improve the economy of the state,” he explained.
Governor Oyebanji also took the opportunity to highlight the significant economic growth witnessed under his administration. He pointed to the rise in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), which has increased from about N600 million per month to over N2 billion monthly. This surge in IGR, he noted, is partly due to the efforts of his administration in encouraging residents to pay their taxes by demonstrating the effective utilization of tax revenue.
Furthermore, the Governor reassured the public that development efforts were not limited to the state capital, Ado-Ekiti. While some critics have suggested that the capital is receiving more attention, Oyebanji emphasized that his administration has made concerted efforts to develop all parts of the state, including rural areas.
“We are not focusing development only on Ado-Ekiti. All areas of Ekiti State are benefitting from the development programs we have put in place. We are ensuring that the resources we have are utilized to improve the lives of all our people,” he said.
On the state’s finances, Governor Oyebanji addressed concerns about transparency, particularly regarding the distribution of funds to local governments. He stated that all receipts from the Federation Account and local government allocations are made public, and the allocation process is transparent.
He explained that the local government funds are directly transferred from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) into the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) account, and his administration has no involvement in the distribution process. However, the Governor emphasized that he closely monitors projects executed by the local governments to ensure they align with the needs of the people.
“We ensure that the funds allocated to the local governments are used for projects that will benefit the people. We have a system in place to ensure that the resources are not misused,” he assured.
Governor Oyebanji also expressed his commitment to continuing his work for the people of Ekiti, irrespective of political distractions. He acknowledged the ongoing politicking in the state but stressed that his focus remains on achieving sustainable development for Ekiti residents.
“Development is not a one-off effort, and I remain committed to ensuring that we continue to improve the living standards of our people. We will continue working for the people of Ekiti until the very last day of my tenure,” he affirmed.
