The Federal Government has officially approved the commencement of commercial flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, marking a major turning point for the state’s economy and aviation profile.
The approval, which became effective on October 4, 2025, was confirmed by Yinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted an interim daytime operational licence, following a successful validation inspection in June 2025. The airport had previously been limited to non-scheduled flight operations, with its initial permit expiring in December 2024.
“This is a landmark development for Ekiti. The arrival of scheduled commercial flights will drive growth across our agribusiness sector, tourism, healthcare services, and overall commercial activity,” Governor Oyebanji said.
He added that the state is finalizing the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enable night-time and all-weather flight operations, further expanding the airport’s capacity.
Strategic Infrastructure for Economic Transformation
Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the operational upgrade of the airport aligns with his administration’s vision to make Ekiti a preferred destination for investment, business, and leisure.
“The airport is not just about transportation, it’s a game changer for economic diversification, medical tourism, and regional development,” the governor said.
The approval comes with a three-year Aerodrome Operational Permit, pending full certification by the NCAA.
Presidential Backing and Stakeholder Support
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in accelerating infrastructure that drives state-level economic growth. He also acknowledged former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who initiated the airport project in 2019, as well as legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, and members of the Airport Implementation Committee for their contributions.
“This is the result of years of planning, collaboration, and commitment to opening Ekiti to the world,” Oyebanji said.
The Ekiti Agro-Cargo Airport was originally conceived to facilitate agricultural exports and improve the logistics chain for agro-allied products. With this new development, the facility is now primed to support passenger travel, attract investors, and enhance connectivity across Southwest Nigeria and beyond.
