The Ogun State government has revealed plans to concession parts of the Gateway International Airport in Remo, Ogun State, once its construction is completed.
Captain Dapo Olumide, the manager of the airport’s agro cargo facility, made this known during a recent discussion with aviation journalists.
According to Olumide, three firms have already shown interest in managing the Gateway International Airport.
He explained that the concept of “concessioning” often requires further clarification, as many people misunderstand it.
He likened it to the situation in Lagos, where it is not the entire airport that is concessioned, but specifically the terminal building.
Olumide clarified that while the terminal building may be handed over to a concessionaire, crucial components will remain under the control of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
“In this case, the runway and taxiways will remain under the control of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), just as they are in Lagos,” he explained.
“We are concessioning the infrastructure of the airport. However, this is slightly different from Lagos in the sense that this is primarily an aerotropolis. And because it is an aerotropolis that makes it more attractive for a concessionaire.”
Olumide also pointed out that, unlike most airports in Nigeria where passenger traffic is the primary source of income, the Gateway International Airport will have a more diversified revenue model.
“The airport is expected to generate substantial income not only from passenger traffic but also from cargo operations and the aerotropolis development.”
In his remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, noted that construction on the airport’s runway is in its final stages, with essential components such as airfield lighting and weather information systems expected to be completed soon.
He stressed that the runway, which spans over four kilometers, will be the longest in Nigeria, and the control tower is equipped with modern technology, making the airport a major air transport hub in the country.
“The airport is set to transition into full commercial operations for scheduled flights very soon.
“We have made significant progress, with sufficient infrastructure in place to ensure safety, including fire cover for the aerodrome,” Akinsanya added.