Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has announced that the state will soon recoup its investment in the Agro Cargo Airport, with several international aviation firms expressing keen interest in operating the facility under concession.
Located strategically along the Iperu-Ilishan road in the Ikenne Local Government area, this airport was conceived as an aerotropolis due to its proximity to the city of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Following an intensive weekend inspection of the airport, Governor Abiodun shared the news with reporters, confirming that the launch of commercial flights will begin by the end of the year.
Moreover, the Governor affirmed that the concession process for the airport will be fully concluded within the next 30 to 45 days, marking a crucial moment when the state is projected to recover its investment in the project.
According to him, “I’m sure that in the next 30 to 45 days, we should sign the dotted lines of the concession of this airport, which would mean that everything we have spent in establishing the airport would completely be reimbursed, and we can use the money to pay our debt and also begin to look at other projects.”
In addition to the exciting prospect of international flights landing at this remarkable airport, Governor Abiodun disclosed, “This airport, sometime by the end of November or December, would be fully granted approval. Commercial operations would start here. It means you can board a flight to Abuja and Port Harcourt.”
Governor Abiodun is resolute in this vision, emphasising that Ogun State is erecting a truly international airport, one capable of competing on a global scale. He justified the state’s decision to begin this project, as waiting for external investors might have resulted in indefinite delays.
Unveiling an airport of world-class standards has already attracted interest from international airport operators across the globe. He proudly shared, “There are other airports all over the country that different states have built. I don’t know how much interest those airports are receiving all over the world, but this airport is receiving interest from international airport operators around the world.”
Governor Abiodun attributes this success to the state’s unwavering dedication, vision, and commitment to maintaining a resolute focus on the airport’s development.
Describing the airport’s remarkable features, he highlighted, “The runway, administrative building, apron, and control tower at the airport are, without a doubt, the best in the country. The runway is the longest, the widest, and the best ever constructed in Nigeria.”
The Agro Cargo Airport in Ogun State is set to transform the region’s transportation landscape and elevate its status in the world of aviation.