Ibadan Airport upgrade: Makinde lays foundation for new int’l terminal building

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new international terminal building at the Samuel Akintola Airport in Ibadan. The project, slated for completion in the first quarter of 2026, will increase the airport’s passenger capacity to one million annually, up from the current 100,000.

The terminal building is a key component of the airport’s upgrade plan, which aims to establish it as a premier aviation facility in Nigeria. The project also includes the extension of the runway to 3,000 meters, launched in September 2024.

Upon completion, the airport will boast modern, efficient, and world-class facilities, positioning it as a hub for economic growth and development. The increased capacity and extended runway will enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and a greater number of passengers.

Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, Chairman of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee, praised Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership, noting that the project will transform the region’s aviation landscape.

Engr. Adejare Abiola, Director of Engineering at the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), commended Governor Makinde for his support in upgrading the airport’s facilities.

The Airport Manager, Mr. Francis Balogun, and representatives of airlines operating at the airport also applauded the state government’s efforts, citing the project’s potential to enhance the airport’s efficiency and attractiveness to passengers.

The upgraded airport is expected to drive economic growth, attract investments, and empower the people of Oyo State, solidifying its position as a major aviation hub in Nigeria.