The Gateway International Airport in Ogun State is on track to begin commercial operations, following a technical assessment by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
A team of officials from the agency visited the airport for a crucial inspection tour, conducting flight calibration checks to assess the alignment of navigational procedures ahead of its opening for commercial flights.
The flight validation, led by Miri Selzing, NAMA’s Manager of Flight Calibration Services, noted that the visit was the beginning of a rigorous evaluation of air navigation protocols designed for the airport. “We are here to begin the validation of the proposed procedures,” he explained.
“These procedures have been reviewed both on paper and in the air. Our next step is to analyze the data thoroughly before offering any recommendations or necessary adjustments.”
Highlighting the airport’s physical infrastructure, Selzing praised the nearly completed facility, especially the four-kilometer runway, which is reportedly the longest in Nigeria.
“The runway is impressive and capable of accommodating all categories of aircraft. The terminal and other visible facilities indicate a very high standard. It’s commendable work,” he remarked.
Selzing emphasized the importance of equipping the airport with modern navigational aids, particularly an Instrument Landing System (ILS), to support smooth and safe operations.
He also noted that once fully operational, Gateway International Airport could serve as an alternative destination for aircraft unable to land in nearby cities like Lagos, Ibadan, or Ilorin, especially during emergencies or peak traffic.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State government expressed confidence in the progress made so far. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, who accompanied the NAMA team, revealed that vital flight path checks—referred to as “23 and 05”—had been successfully completed, along with the identification of key navigational waypoints.
“With this stage nearly wrapped up, we are closer than ever to securing commercial certification,” he said.
Akinsanya also explained that once the flight procedure validations are finalized, the data will be published online to ensure ease of access for pilots and airlines.
He described the current status of the airport as 97 percent complete, noting that essential personnel—including air traffic controllers and emergency services—are already in place.
“Airports globally undergo continuous development, but what we have here is a highly functional facility that is more than ready for operations,” he added.
