The Kwara State Government has unveiled plans to commence cargo services at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, in a move designed to boost agricultural and commercial exports.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Alabi, disclosed this during an event organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Ilorin.
Alabi explained that the initiative is aimed at positioning Kwara as a hub for agricultural and industrial exports, thereby strengthening its role in both national and international trade. He stressed that the project aligns with Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s drive to open new export channels, improve market access, and enhance incomes for farmers, producers, and businesses.
According to him, the commencement of cargo services will facilitate the smooth movement of goods from farms, factories, and workshops to domestic and foreign markets, while also supporting value addition, processing, and packaging across sectors.
“The initiative will reduce post-production losses, preserve product quality, and expand opportunities for trade in agricultural, industrial, and processed goods,” he said.
Alabi added that with congestion at Lagos ports and airports, Ilorin provides a strategic alternative for timely and reliable exports, further boosting Kwara’s competitiveness.
Commending the Governor’s infrastructure expansion drive, particularly in road construction linking rural and industrial areas to major markets, the Commissioner stressed that cargo services would transform locally produced goods into export-ready consignments and attract fresh investments into the state.
He urged farmers, cooperatives, manufacturers, investors, transport unions, traders, processors, and regulatory agencies to collaborate in improving product quality, packaging standards, and technological adoption to meet international market requirements.
The Airport Manager, Mr Suraju Aderibigbe, announced that the old terminal building would be upgraded into a modern cargo facility equipped with advanced technology to handle a wide range of products safely.
He noted that the development would boost trade, generate jobs, and stimulate economic growth across sectors in Kwara.
The event drew stakeholders from the Nigerian Army, Police Force, Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, University of Ilorin, and other organisations, all expressing support for the initiative.
