Nigeria’s aviation sector witnessed a major milestone on Wednesday as the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport officially commenced commercial flight operations. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the development as a “new era of aviation growth in Nigeria,” praising the state government for completing a project he said would support jobs, investment, and regional development.
Keyamo, who was represented at the inauguration by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Yakubu Adam, said the airport reflects the goals of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes boosting economic activities, expanding transport infrastructure, and improving access to markets for farmers and businesses.
The first commercial flight, United Nigeria Airlines flight UN 0622, arrived from Abuja at exactly 11:00 a.m. The aircraft was welcomed by Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor Segun Oni, members of the State Executive Council, and top federal lawmakers.
Also onboard the flight were several prominent personalities, including the Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry, Yakubu Adam; former Ekiti governors Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, and Kayode Fayemi; and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.
Shortly after the landing, the second commercial flight, UN 0623, departed the airport for Lagos at 12:13 p.m., marking the full start of scheduled operations.
The ceremony featured traditional performances, cheers from residents, and emotional speeches celebrating the completion of a project that began several years ago and faced numerous delays.
In his remarks, Minister Keyamo praised the Ekiti State Government for its determination to complete the airport, describing it as a major step forward for agricultural development and trade.
“History is made in Ekiti with this inaugural flight,” he said. “We celebrate not just the takeoff; it is a new era in the development of aviation in Ekiti and Nigeria. This airport stands as a practical example of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in his quest to sustain job creation.”
Keyamo added that the Federal Government is committed to supporting states seeking to build or improve airports and other transport facilities. According to him, aviation growth is essential for Nigeria’s economic expansion.
One of the strongest messages during the event was the unity displayed among political leaders in Ekiti. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who led a delegation of three senators and six House of Representatives members, praised Governor Oyebanji for inviting all past governors of the state, regardless of party differences.
He said the airport shows what Ekiti can achieve when leaders set aside politics and work together.
“The Airport will bring further development to the entire state,” Bamidele said, urging residents to take advantage of the opportunities it will create in transport, agriculture, tourism, and trade.
Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), also sent a message of support. Represented by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, he praised Governor Oyebanji for his resilience in ensuring that the airport became fully operational.
He said Ekiti deserves not only an airport but also a modern railway line that links Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and then onward to Onitsha. According to him, such a railway would provide a faster, safer, and cheaper mode of transporting goods and passengers across the region.
Babalola reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the state, saying he would continue to make contributions toward development projects.
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, expressed gratitude to the state government for creating a conducive environment for the airline to operate.
He assured Governor Oyebanji that the airline remains fully committed to the safety of residents and passengers. He added that without leadership continuity in Ekiti, the project might not have been completed.
Okonkwo said the airline plans to expand flights from Ekiti to other cities soon.
In his address, Governor Oyebanji revealed that Ekiti State has spent approximately N49.7 billion on the construction and development of the airport, making it one of the largest infrastructure investments in the history of the state.
He explained that between May 2019 and October 2022—during the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi—the state spent about N14 billion on early phases of the project. These covered compensation for affected communities, initial runway construction, terminal building works, approval processes, access roads, aprons, perimeter fencing, power facilities, and the first firefighting truck.
Oyebanji said the airport would not have been possible without the contributions of past governors, whom he thanked for laying the foundation for the project. He also acknowledged Afe Babalola for his financial support.
“This airport is the result of teamwork across administrations,” he said. “It shows what we can do when we focus on what unites us.”
Beyond passenger travel, the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is expected to play a major role in strengthening the state’s agricultural economy. Ekiti is known for producing yam, cassava, cocoa, plantain, rice, and vegetables, but farmers often face challenges transporting goods to major markets.
The cargo facility is expected to open new opportunities for exporting fresh produce and connecting local farmers to buyers across Nigeria and beyond.
Wednesday’s event marked a major achievement for Ekiti, a state that has long sought stronger transport links to boost trade, attract investors, and support tourism. With commercial flights now operating and cargo operations expected to expand soon, the state government says it is ready for a new chapter of growth.
As celebrations continued at the airport, many residents said they hope the facility will help the state compete economically with larger states in the South-West.
