Cynthia Ezegwu
Ekiti State has received Federal Government approval for the commencement of commercial flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, effective October 4, 2025.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Yinka Oyebode, confirmed the development on Tuesday, describing it as a milestone for the state’s economic growth. Oyebode added that the airport is nearing completion of an Instrument Landing System to enable night and all-weather operations.
Governor Oyebanji said the approval would enhance agribusiness, tourism, commercial activities, and medical tourism, positioning Ekiti as a preferred destination for investment and leisure.
The approval follows the expiration of an earlier permit for non-scheduled flights in December 2024 and comes after a validation inspection by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in June 2025. In a letter dated October 3, signed by NCAA Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Godwin Balang, the authority stated that the airport met basic operational requirements for scheduled flights. An interim permit allows daytime operations, pending full certification for a three-year Aerodrome Operational Permit.
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Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, former Governor Kayode Fayemi, legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, and members of the Airport Committee for their support and contributions to the project, which was launched in 2019 and previously handled only non-scheduled flights.
The development is expected to significantly boost the state’s connectivity, trade, and socio-economic development.