The Ogun State government has announced commencement of chartered flights operations adding that the Agro-Cargo International Airport in Ilishan-Remo is near completion, with 95 per cent of the multi-billion-naira facility already delivered.
According to the state government, plans for scheduled commercial flights are in motion pending approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
During a facility tour on Monday, the State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, emphasized the project’s readiness, stating that only the terminal building, which is currently at 90 per cent completion, remains to be finalized.
He noted that the airport’s infrastructure and facilities meet global standards, and ongoing collaboration with key aviation regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), NCAA, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), ensures operational readiness.
“Overall, where we are today, I am certain that we are good to go. When we receive approval from NCAA, we will commence commercial operations because we already have approval for charter flights,” Akinsanya said.
“The runway, which has been completed for a while, is the longest in Nigeria, measuring 3.4 kilometres with an additional 600-metre safety zone, totaling 4 kilometres. It is 60 metres wide and designated as 4E, just one step below the highest category, 4F.”
He described the control tower as the best in the country, highlighting its advanced equipment and functionality. “The temporary mobile tower will soon be replaced with the main control tower, which has been fully equipped and tested. Our fire station is in place with fire tenders, and once additional tenders arrive, we will move up to class 7,” he added.
The commissioner also pointed out that the airport is strategically accessible through major road networks, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Sagamu-Benin Expressway, Ikorodu Road, and the Ijebu-Ode axis. He said multiple access points ensure seamless connectivity for cargo and passenger operations.
“We have a temporary terminal that is better than some existing terminals in the country, while the permanent terminal is nearing completion and will be fully operational by January. Supporting facilities, such as the administrative building, fire station, and weather stations, are already in place to ensure safe and efficient operations,” Akinsanya explained.
Speaking on the airport’s significance, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, underscored its viability as a vital transportation hub located at the intersection of Nigeria’s key road networks.
He described the airport as a “gateway to economic growth” that will drive agricultural development, particularly through the exportation of agro-produce.
“The airport is situated within an agricultural processing zone, which is one of eight such zones supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) across the country. Ogun State is already leading the charge as the foremost agricultural processing zone, and the airport is the anchor project to facilitate the quick exportation of agricultural products,” Dairo stated.
He added that the airport’s location is crucial for accessibility and trade, sitting at the nexus of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Sagamu-Benin Expressway, with a new link road under construction to enhance connectivity.
“This is a legacy project that will stand the test of time. The success of this airport will be anchored on agro-cargo activities, but it will also serve passenger operations. Ogun State remains Nigeria’s gateway—whether by road, rail, or air—and this airport further reinforces that strategic positioning,” he concluded.