Ibadan, Oyo State – June 30, 2024 – The Oyo State Government has officially begun constructing a new terminal building.
This strategic move aims to enhance air travel significantly while boosting the state’s economic prospects.
Moreover, this construction project will improve facilities at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, increasing its capacity for passenger traffic.
Consequently, the upgraded airport will better serve travelers, aligning with the state’s economic development goals.
This initiative follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval to upgrade the airport to international standards, announced by Governor Seyi Makinde.
On Friday, Bimbo Adekanmbi, chairman of the airport upgrade committee, disclosed that the new terminal will accommodate one million passengers annually.
This significant increase enhances the current capacity of just 100,000 passengers.
“This upgrade will not only ease passenger flow but also boost the airport’s cargo handling capacity,” Adekanmbi stated.
Consequently, this positions Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a top-tier facility in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the chairman emphasized modernizing airport infrastructure, asserting that this upgrade is essential for economic development and trade.
Additionally, it promotes tourism and cultural exchange, benefiting the entire region.
“Airports play a critical role in fostering prosperity and regional integration,” he added.
Therefore, governments invest heavily in such infrastructure to ensure long-term growth and connectivity.
Governor Makinde’s administration has received praise for its commitment to improving the state’s connectivity and infrastructure.
Adekanmbi commended the governor for his leadership in advancing the airport project and dedication to Oyo State’s overall progress.
The upgrade project commenced in September 2024 with the first phase focusing on extending the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres.
Adekanmbi noted that this extension is a vital step toward meeting international standards and accommodating larger aircraft.
He reported that the first phase of the project is currently 30 to 40 percent complete and is expected to be finalized before the year’s end.
In addition to constructing the terminal, Abiola Adejare, director of engineering services at FAAN, emphasized the upgrade’s significance.
Moreover, he highlighted that this upgrade has the potential to create new economic opportunities and enhance connectivity for travelers.
He expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government for its commitment to modernizing the airport’s infrastructure.
Oliver Makh-Louf, the project site engineer from Craneburg Construction Company, assured the state government of their dedication to quality work.
He emphasized that the construction team commits to adhering to timelines and maintaining high standards throughout the project.
The new terminal is expected to become operational by the first quarter of 2026, marking a new era for air travel in Oyo State.
As the project progresses, stakeholders in the aviation sector express optimism about the upgrades at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport.
Moreover, local community members anticipate a positive impact on travel, trade, and economic growth within the region.
Ultimately, this upgraded infrastructure aims to enhance connectivity while fostering opportunities for development and collaboration in the area.