Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday announced that the state has spent N49.7bn on the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as it officially opened for commercial flights.
Speaking at the inauguration along the Ado–Ijan Road, Oyebanji said previous administrations spent N14bn, while his government invested over N34bn in the last three years to complete civil works, install key equipment and meet regulatory conditions.
The project, first conceived under Segun Oni, was started by Ayodele Fayose, advanced by Kayode Fayemi — who enabled a test flight — and completed by the Oyebanji administration. Non-scheduled flights began last year.
The inaugural commercial flight, operated by United Nigeria Airlines, arrived from Abuja with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Aviation Ministry Permanent Secretary Yakubu Adam Kofarmata on board, before departing for Lagos.
Oyebanji said the latest spending covered the terminal and control tower completion, perimeter fencing, runway strip and installation of an Instrument Landing System, while the state also partnered with Reeve Energy Nigeria Ltd. on an aviation fuel tank. Staff quarters are still under construction.
He praised Aare Afe Babalola for donating $1.6m worth of navigational equipment and building a 100-car parking lot valued at N356.7m.
Aviation officials described the launch as a major milestone, while the project contractor, CCECC, said the airport would boost jobs, exports and investment. United Nigeria Airlines also announced plans for student flight discounts.
