Ekiti Cargo Airport Ready To Compete Globally – Aviation Minister

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has declared that the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti is equipped to compete with similar airports worldwide, thanks to the quality of work and facilities provided.

Keyamo, who arrived at the airport at 5:15 PM on Monday, was greeted with a ceremonial water salute.

On January 10, 2025, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) visited the airport for calibration of landing equipment after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approved six months of non-scheduled flight operations.

During his visit, the Minister described the airport as being of exceptional standard, stating that the materials and equipment used were top-notch, and virtually all necessary facilities for a standard airport were in place.

Highlighting the quality of the airport’s runway, Keyamo said it meets global standards, and he praised the picturesque environment in which the facility is situated.

In his address to journalists, Keyamo explained that the delay in commencing commercial flight operations is to adhere to standard procedures, which require an initial phase of non-scheduled flight operations to test the airport’s readiness.

“The Ekiti Agro-Allied Airport has been on our radar for a long time, and we felt it was time to start operations here. For now, we have approved six months of non-scheduled flights. This means that private jets can begin using the airport to test the facilities. This procedure is standard worldwide before allowing large commercial airlines to bring in numerous passengers,” he said.

Keyamo expressed satisfaction with the airport’s aeronautical features, particularly the runway, which he described as being of world-class quality.

He further emphasized the strategic importance of the airport, given the state’s extensive agribusiness potential.

“Ekiti, especially Ado-Ekiti, has lagged behind for a long time despite being a major hub for agricultural activities in Western Nigeria. With this facility, Ekiti is poised to become a commercial hub for agro-cargo activities and can now compete with the rest of the world in this sector,” he said.

The Minister also acknowledged the support of the local community, commending their generosity in providing the land for the project. He stressed the importance of maintaining the facility to ensure its long-term benefits for the people of Ekiti and Nigeria as a whole.

Keyamo was welcomed at the airport by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Kolawole Ajobiewe; Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode; and Technical Adviser on the Airport Project, AVM Sunday Makinde (Rtd), among others.