Upgrading Ladoke Akintola Airport into international standard

Despite the initial opposition, Oyo state government has almost completed the upgrade of Ibadan airport to the delight of everyone. BAYO AGBOOLA reports.

With the pace of work and the on-going upgrade of the Samuel Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Gov Seyi Makinde is leaving no one in doubt about his promise to complete the total upgrade of the airport into an international standard and ensure that intending pilgrims from Oyo state are airlifted directly from Ibadan to Saudi Arabia before the end of his administration in 2027. 

To fast-track his mission, the state government ensures the timely construction of 500,000-litre aviation fuel facility to ease refueling of aircrafts landing at the airport.

The governor never minced words on his determination to build a viable state whenever he is at a public function as witnessed at the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan when he said the upgrade of Ibadan Airport, Circular Road projects among others are important for the state economic turn-around and are dear to his government and quite important for the expansion of the state’s economy.

Makinde justifying need for upgrade

The governor in September 2024 launched the first phase of the airport upgrade project with the extension of the runway to 3,000 metres to meet international standards. He said, “I have always said when I leave office, I want to be remembered for some projects and my administration would do more for the people of the state in 2025.

“Some projects are dear to my heart. These include the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an international standard. Some people have said it is not a viable project because Ibadan is close to Lagos.That is true; but Ibadan Airport should have been an alternative airport to Lagos from day one. When we came in, there was no storage and fuel dispensing facility at the airport. How will it be viable if planes cannot come and refuel in this place? Now, we have put the aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility in there and, yesterday, I saw with my eyes how airplane was being refueled in our airport in Ibadan. So, we have removed one of the obstacles that have been making the airport not to be viable. We are also extending the runway so that a Boeing 787 will be able to land in the airport shortly. 

“We made a terminal that is only good for 100,000 people yearly. We are now building a new terminal that can take over one million passengers through that airport. With what we are doing, Ibadan Airport will be viable and would compete with Lagos Airport. A part of the project would be delivered this year.The terminal would be delivered first quarter of next year, because we have deployed the resources. Also, on the Circular Road, the first segment, which is 32km from Technical University to Badeku, will be delivered this year. So, continue to pray and support this administration.”

Earlier in the project

On Friday, January 31, this year (2025), the Gov Makinde led administration kicked off the second phase of the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport with the turning of sod for a new terminal building of an International standard that will accommodate at least one million passengers annually for the airport.

Turning the sod, the chairman of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee and former commissioner for finance in the state, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi said the foundation laying is another giant leap forward and a crucial component of the airport upgrade plan and that the new terminal building represent a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of the present administration. He minced no words in reiterating that the project expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026 will ease the flow of passengers, boost the airports cargo handling capacity and position the airport as a top-tier facility in Nigeria.

“Today, we embark on a remarkable journey that would redefine the aviation landscape of this region, opening up new horizons of opportunity and growth, connectivity, This event represents not only the start of a major transformation but also a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde. 

According to Mr Adekanmbi, “In Oyo state, we are incredibly fortunate to have a leader who understands the far-reaching impact of such investments. 

“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. His tireless work ethic and unwavering focus on sustainable development ensure that this airport will become a symbol of progress, prosperity, and pride for us all.”

He pointed out that the government had made tremendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project and that the state-of-the-art terminal building that will be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 would accommodate up to one million passengers annually, which is a massive increase from the current capacity of 100,000. He said, “This initiative goes beyond just expanding capacity; it is about creating a modern, efficient and world-class airport that enhances the overall travel experience while driving economic growth, attracting investments, and empowering the people of Oyo state.

“With Governor Seyi Makinde at the helm, the vision of a fully integrated, globally competitive airport is becoming a reality. Oyo state government remains steadfast in its dedication to improving infrastructure, fostering economic opportunities and ensuring sustainable development for all. Through projects like this, we are not only investing in physical structures but also in the future prosperity and well-being of our citizens.”

Goodwill message from FAAN

The director of engineering, Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Engr Adejare Abiola, representing the FAAN chairman commended  Gov Makinde for his efforts towards turning around the fortune of the airport, saying, “We want to appreciate the governor of the state for what he has been doing. He has been supporting us. He has donated project vehicles for security patrol. Today again, he has fulfilled another promise and we, as FAAN, are ready to support him and the airport. I want to also thank the host community who have been good neighbours to us and at the same time appeal to them on the excavation that is ongoing around our perimeter fence. By the time the airport is completed, we have to invite the ICAA for certification and some of the things they are going to look at include the safety and security of the airport. So, please, desist from excavating along our fence. By the time the airport is completed, we have to invite the ICAA for certification, and some of the things they are going to look at include the safety and security of the airport. So, please, desist from excavating along our fence.”

The senior manager, Craneburg Construction, Edmond Maalouf, emphasized that the new terminal building project will be delivered on time, while the site engineer, Oliver Makhlouf, lauded the success so far.

Conducting journalists round the airport, it was so glaring that the pace of work is on the high side as trucks and construction workers were seen at their various construction site.

Makhlouf explained that on the Taxiway and Service Road, the construction company introduces a third taxiway link in accordance to international standards while new airfield lighting CAT-2 will be installed.

Regarding the Airfield lighting, he stressed the extension of the service road, 200m length together with the existing one 200 + 160. Also, the upgrading of runway structure to accommodate the international aircraft load.

Impressed by the pace of work at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport upgrade, the chairman of the airport community, Dr Duro Ogunsesan lauded Governor Makinde for giving the airport a massive facelift. Dr Ogunsesan emphasized that the upgrade when completed will serve as another major testimony to the already established fact that Gov Makinde has been transforming Oyo to the high level and that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport becoming an international airports will no doubt boost the economic and social status of Ibadan and Oyo state in general.

The on going upgrade of the airport has successfully gained the attention of the entire people of Oyo state and even beyond as all eyes are now on the timely completion and upgrade to international standard as promised by Gov Makinde.

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