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… As United Nigeria Airlines moves to commence daily flight, cargo operations

In a major move aimed at repositioning the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport for improved service delivery and making it a foremost aviation hub in Nigeria, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Monday commissioned the Aviation Fuel depot within the airport complex.

The Governor said he will continue to target expansion of the facility’s operational capabilities through strategic Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Governor Oyebanji said during the commissioning of the aviation fuel dump established through a partnership arrangement with Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited, said the initiative was designed to facilitate seamless aircraft refuelling, reduce operational overheads for airlines, and strengthen commercial flights operations.

On the development of the airport, Oyebanji disclosed that work had reached an advanced stage to upgrade the Instrument Landing System (ILS) as well as the installation of Aerodrome Ground Lighting to enable round-the-clock flight operations.

According to him, the aerodrome ground lighting project is expected to cost more than N10 billion, stressing that its completion would allow aircraft to land at the airport at any time, thereby improving its operational capacity and attractiveness to investors.

The Governor further revealed that discussions were ongoing to establish an Independent Power Project (IPP) for the airport to guarantee a more reliable electricity supply and reduce operating expenses.

Oyebanji said his administration would continue to strengthen infrastructure, improve security and pursue alternative energy solutions to make Ekiti more attractive to investors. He called on communities across the state to embrace investors and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, describing community cooperation as critical to the state’s industrialisation drive.

The governor said his administration’s second term would focus on industrialising the state, promoting productivity and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth. He noted that while the government had invested significantly in infrastructure over the past four years, the next phase of development would prioritise attracting investments capable of expanding the state’s productive capacity and generating wealth.

According to him, investors are primarily motivated by the availability of conducive business environment, supporting infrastructure and the prospect of profitability rather than emotional considerations. The governor stressed that the responsibility of attracting investments should not rest solely on the government, adding that host communities must demonstrate willingness to partner with investors.

“Investors are not emotional people. Capital will flow to where it is well treated and where the right environment will also support profitability,” he said.

Speaking further, Oyebanji commended Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited for investing in Ekiti, acknowledging that choosing to establish a business in the state involved considerable confidence in its economic prospects. He assured the company and other investors of the state government’s continued support.

“By the time we finish what we are doing with the airport by the end of the year by God’s grace, we should be able to complete the upgrade of the ILS that has been certified, then what we are doing now is what they call in aviation the Aerodrome Ground Lightning, that is what we are doing now, that project is costing us more than N10Billion so, by the time we finish that, at least we’ll be able to have 24 hours operation at the airport, this means aircraft can land at any time.

“We are also working on getting an IPP for this airport, we cannot be wasting time on that so once we have an IPP here then the airport will be self-sufficient when it comes to electricity.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Reeve Energy Limited, Ms Efuru Nwakuche described the milestone as a testament to the power of collaboration between the private sector and government in driving economic growth and infrastructural development.

Ms Nwakuche expressed deep gratitude to Governor Oyebanji and relevant government authorities including Ekiti State Airport Management Company for their immense support and partnership in bringing the project to fruition. She maintained that the significance of the new facility aims to strengthen aviation energy services, support increasing aviation activities and contribute to the broader economic expansion of the state.

The CEO reaffirmed its company’s commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, reliability, and operational excellence as it supports the ongoing development of Nigeria’s aviation and energy sectors.

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In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo announced plans to scale up its airlines operations to daily flights and launch a dedicated cargo section at the Airport.

Prof. Okonkwo, who praised Governor Oyebanji for his visionary leadership and proactive partnership in fostering business investments, noted that the logistical difficulties his airline previously faced due to the absence of a local fuelling facility has finally come to an end.

He further revealed that as aircraft could not refuel locally upon arrival; flights landing in Ekiti had to operate under strict weight and fuel safety rules, forcing the airline to fly with limited passenger capacities.

Prof. Obiora also maintained that his airline will soon transit to daily flights in and out of Ekiti, ensuring seamless and reliable travel connectivity as he also pledged to activate the airport’s cargo section by January next year. This initiative, according to him is intended to support local agricultural export and commercial logistics, with United Nigeria Airlines positioned as the primary carrier ready to lift commercial cargo.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habitat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, former members of the Executive Council, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe among others.

Olugbolade Cole

Credit: Jirol TV