NCAA Grants Approval for Ogun State Airport to Begin Commercial Flight Operations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially granted approval for the Ogun State Airport to commence commercial flight operations, marking a major milestone in the state’s ambition to become a regional aviation and economic hub. The clearance, which followed rigorous inspections and compliance checks, paves the way for airlines to begin scheduled passenger and cargo flights into and out of the facility.

Located along the Iperu-Ilishan axis of the state, the airport—popularly referred to as the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport—has been under development for several years as part of Ogun State’s vision to harness its strategic location between Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub, and other southwestern states. The approval by the NCAA is being hailed by government officials, aviation stakeholders, and local communities as a turning point for the state’s infrastructure and investment landscape.

Confirming the development, NCAA officials disclosed that the airport met all necessary technical and safety requirements after a series of inspections. These included assessments of the runway, taxiways, terminal building, safety equipment, air navigation systems, and emergency response facilities. The regulatory authority emphasized that passenger safety and operational efficiency were the foremost considerations before granting certification for commercial use.

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, expressed delight at the NCAA’s clearance, describing it as a historic achievement for the people of the state. According to him, the airport is designed not only to handle passenger traffic but also to serve as a major agro-cargo hub that will support farmers, exporters, and investors by facilitating the movement of goods within Nigeria and across international markets. He noted that the project aligns with his administration’s agenda of industrialization, agricultural transformation, and economic diversification.

“With this NCAA approval, Ogun State is now officially on the global aviation map,” the governor said. “This airport will enhance trade, attract investors, and provide job opportunities for our youths. It will also help decongest the Lagos airports, while serving as a reliable alternative for both local and international airlines.”

Aviation experts say the airport’s approval could significantly alter the economic dynamics of the region. Given Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos and its status as one of Nigeria’s most industrialized states, the facility is expected to attract multinational companies, logistics operators, and agro-exporters who have long sought easier air access for business operations. Already, discussions are underway with local and foreign airlines to commence scheduled flights to the new airport in the coming weeks.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority explained that while the airport has been approved for commercial operations, continuous monitoring will be undertaken to ensure sustained compliance with aviation safety standards. The NCAA further stressed that its oversight role would remain active to protect passengers, airlines, and service providers.

Stakeholders in the aviation and business communities have welcomed the development. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) commended the Ogun State government for investing in world-class facilities, while calling on airlines to seize the opportunity to expand connectivity. Exporters and agro-allied companies also hailed the project, describing it as a game-changer that will reduce logistics costs and boost Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

For local communities, the approval brings optimism for job creation, infrastructure growth, and socio-economic development. Small businesses around the Ilishan and Iperu axis are already springing up in anticipation of increased passenger traffic and commercial activity. Hoteliers, transporters, and real estate developers are also positioning to tap into the opportunities that the airport is expected to generate.

Observers note that the Ogun Airport joins a growing list of state-backed airports seeking to complement federal facilities in Nigeria. While some have expressed concerns about the financial viability of state airports, especially given past cases of underutilization, Ogun officials insist that the Gateway International Airport stands out because of its strategic location, cargo focus, and integration with the state’s industrial clusters.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has also indicated its readiness to provide technical support for seamless operations at the facility. Aviation analysts believe the success of the airport will depend on effective collaboration between the state, NCAA, FAAN, and the private sector.

The approval has also renewed discussions about regional aviation integration. Some experts suggest that the Ogun airport could serve as a model for other states aiming to leverage aviation for development, provided careful planning and market studies are undertaken.

In the short term, the airport is expected to open with domestic commercial flights, while long-term plans include attracting regional and international airlines. The cargo terminal is projected to handle significant volumes of agricultural exports, including perishable goods, thereby boosting Nigeria’s non-oil foreign exchange earnings.

As airlines prepare to launch their first commercial flights, Ogun State officials have assured that security, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency will remain priorities. The government has also pledged to work with relevant federal agencies to ensure smooth customs, immigration, and border clearance processes once international operations begin.

With the NCAA’s green light, Ogun State has moved a step closer to realizing its ambition of becoming a key aviation hub in West Africa. The approval not only enhances the state’s connectivity but also sends a strong signal to investors about Ogun’s commitment to infrastructure development and business growth.

If managed effectively, the airport could serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, positioning Ogun as a leading destination for trade, investment, and tourism in Nigeria.