The Oyo State Government has officially laid the foundation for the construction of a new terminal building at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.
The foundation-laying ceremony, which held on Friday, January 31 at the Airport Premises was presided over by the Chairman of the Airport Upgrade Committee, Mr. Bimbo Adekanbi, and attended by key stakeholders from the aviation and business sectors.
Delivering his speech, Mr. Adekanbi described the event as a transformative step that will redefine Oyo State’s aviation industry.
He attributed the achievement to the vision and leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, who he said has prioritized infrastructure development to boost economic growth and regional connectivity.
“This project is not just an infrastructural upgrade; it is a gateway to unlocking the immense economic potential of Oyo State and the entire Southwest region.
“Governor Makinde’s foresight and dedication to ensuring a world-class facility for the people of Oyo State stand as an inspiring example of visionary governance,” Adekanbi said.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the new terminal, which will be constructed by Craneburg Construction Company Limited, is designed to accommodate up to one million passengers annually, which according to him, account for ten times the current capacity of 100,000 passengers.
He said the project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
Speaking fuether, Adekanbi said, the development follows the successful extension of the airport’s runway to 3,000 meters in September 2024, meeting international standards and allowing larger aircraft to operate from the facility.
He maintained that the upgraded terminal will not only enhance passenger experience but also expand the airport’s cargo-handling capacity thereby, positioning Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a premier aviation hub in Nigeria.
Several key aviation and industry stakeholders in their separate remarks, praised the project, emphasizing its far-reaching benefits.
Dr. Duro Ogunsesan, Chairman of the Ibadan Airport Community Development Association, lauded Governor Makinde’s leadership, noting that the project will create employment opportunities for thousands of residents. He also urged the government to compensate those whose properties are affected by the airport expansion.
Mr. Fidel Okechukwu, representative of Air Peace Airline, affirmed the airline’s full support for the initiative, calling it “a landmark project that will serve generations to come.”
Mr. Okezie, representing Green Africa Airways, pledged the airline’s commitment to partnering with the government to ensure the success of the airport’s expansion.
Engr. Yinka Fagboore, Senior Depot Manager at BOVAS, hailed the upgrade as a long-overdue project that will enhance commercial activities and open up Oyo State to global trade and investment.
Engr. Abiola, Director of Engineering Services at the Federal Airport Authority, FAAN, commended Governor Makinde for fulfilling his promise to the state, assuring that FAAN would continue to support the government to achieve maximum success.
Mr. Balogun Francis, the Acting Airport Manager, stressed the importance of strict compliance with airport regulations, particularly in perimeter fencing and other security infrastructures.
Stakeholders at the event in their goodwill messages maintained that with the ongoing development of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Oyo State is already positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Present at the ceremony were members of the state executive Council, SLAA Upgrade Committee members, top Airport officials, and aviation stakeholders among others.