The Federal Government and the Edo State Government have agreed on a mid-year timeline to commence commercial operations at the Benin Airport, alongside plans to establish an indigenous airline for the state.
The agreement was reached on Wednesday during a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who led a delegation of senior government officials to the minister’s office in Abuja. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, and made available on Friday.
Governor Okpebholo said the proposed state-backed airline would form a major part of his administration’s economic revival strategy, stressing that aviation is critical to attracting investment, boosting tourism and creating employment opportunities in Edo State.
According to the governor, the state government has begun exploring partnership options, including discussions with South African investors who have expressed willingness to provide aircraft for the take-off of operations.
“If I have my way, I want this airline to take off immediately, even as early as tomorrow. Edo State needs a strong aviation presence to open up our economy and reposition Benin as a major commercial hub,” he said.
In his response, Keyamo described the initiative as timely, noting that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has also been engaging with prospective investors who have shown renewed interest in the commercial viability of the Benin Airport.
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The minister recalled the airport’s historical significance in Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly during the era of the defunct Okada Air, when Benin served as a major aviation hub in the former Midwest region.
“Benin Airport was once a strong aviation hub during the glory days of Okada Air. There is no reason it cannot reclaim that status. The level of interest we are seeing now confirms that Benin is ready again,” Keyamo said.
To fast-track the process, the minister announced the establishment of a technical committee to coordinate efforts between the Federal Government and the Edo State Government. He also requested the governor to nominate a liaison officer to work directly with the Director of Air Transport Management at the ministry to ensure regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
Keyamo said the committee would report weekly to both parties, adding that with effective collaboration, the Benin Airport could become fully operational between the first and second quarters of the year.
He noted that the engagement reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening regional air connectivity, encouraging indigenous airline operations and supporting state-led aviation initiatives in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.