Oyebanji Commissions Ekiti Airport Fuel Depot as Airline Plans Daily Flights
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has commissioned a new aviation fuel depot at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, a development expected to ease aircraft refuelling, improve airline operations and strengthen the airport’s capacity to attract commercial aviation and cargo businesses.
Nigeria News Alert reports that the facility, established through a partnership between the state government and Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited, is part of efforts to expand the airport’s operational capabilities and position it as a strategic aviation and logistics hub. The commissioning also comes as United Nigeria Airlines announced plans to introduce daily flights to and from Ekiti and activate cargo operations at the airport.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, Oyebanji said his administration would continue to pursue strategic public-private partnerships to expand airport infrastructure and improve service delivery. He explained that the availability of aviation fuel within the airport complex would make refuelling more convenient, reduce operational difficulties for airlines and support the growth of commercial flights.
The governor said the state was also advancing plans to upgrade the airport’s Instrument Landing System (ILS) and install Aerodrome Ground Lighting to enable operations at night and support a transition towards round-the-clock flight services.
Beyond the fuel depot, Oyebanji disclosed that the aerodrome lighting project was expected to cost more than ₦10 billion. He said the investment would improve the airport’s operational capacity by allowing aircraft to land at different times of the day, making the facility more attractive to airlines and investors.
“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 Lighting,” the governor said, outlining the planned improvements.
He added that the government was working towards establishing an Independent Power Project (IPP) dedicated to the airport. According to him, a more dependable electricity supply would reduce operating difficulties and support the facility’s long-term sustainability.
United Nigeria Airlines Plans Daily Flights, Cargo Services
A significant boost to the airport’s commercial prospects came from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, who announced plans to increase the airline’s operations to daily flights and commence dedicated cargo services.
Okonkwo said the absence of an on-site aviation fuel facility had previously created logistical difficulties for the airline. He explained that aircraft arriving at the airport could not refuel locally, forcing the carrier to operate under fuel and aircraft-weight restrictions that affected passenger capacity.
With the new depot available, the airline chief indicated that some of the operational constraints associated with refuelling would be eased. He said United Nigeria Airlines intended to move towards daily services to improve travel options for passengers using the airport.
The airline also plans to activate the airport’s cargo section by January 2027. According to Okonkwo, the proposed service would support agricultural exports and commercial logistics, with the airline positioning itself to transport goods produced in Ekiti and surrounding areas.
The development could create additional opportunities for farmers, agribusinesses and traders by improving access to air cargo services. However, the scale of those benefits will depend on the availability of export-ready produce, reliable cargo-handling facilities, competitive transport costs and connections to destination markets.
Oyebanji Seeks More Private Investment in Ekiti
Addressing the wider economic significance of the project, Oyebanji said his administration’s second term would place greater emphasis on industrialisation, productivity and investment-led growth.
He noted that the government had invested substantially in infrastructure during its first four years but said the next phase would focus on attracting businesses capable of expanding production, creating employment and generating wealth.
“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.
The governor urged communities across Ekiti State to support legitimate investment projects and create conditions that would allow businesses to operate successfully. He argued that investment promotion should not be left to the government alone, stressing that host communities also had responsibilities in maintaining a conducive business environment.
Oyebanji assured Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited and other investors of continued government support, commending the company for committing resources to the state’s aviation infrastructure.
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Reeve Energy Highlights Public-Private Partnership
Representing the private-sector partner, the Chief Executive Officer of Reeve Energy Limited, Efuru Nwakuche, described the commissioning as evidence of the role collaboration between government and businesses could play in developing infrastructure and supporting economic growth.
Nwakuche expressed appreciation to Oyebanji, relevant government agencies and the Ekiti State Airport Management Company for their support in bringing the project to completion.
She said the depot was intended to strengthen aviation energy services, accommodate increasing aviation activity and contribute to the broader economic development of Ekiti State.
The company, she added, remained committed to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, reliability and operational performance as it supports Nigeria’s aviation and energy sectors.
For Ekiti’s agricultural economy, the planned cargo operations could become an important part of efforts to connect local producers with wider markets. Faster movement of suitable agricultural products could help businesses serve buyers beyond the state.
Improved flight frequency could also benefit business travellers, visitors and residents who need more convenient connections to other parts of the country. Regular services may make Ekiti more accessible to investors considering opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and related sectors.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; former members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries.
The commissioning marks another step in the state’s airport development programme, while the proposed daily flights and January 2027 cargo launch will be important milestones to watch as Ekiti seeks to expand its aviation links and attract new commercial activity.
Lukman Babatope is a correspondent at Nigeria News Alert with over seven years of journalism experience. He reports on local news, politics, governance, and public affairs.
Credit: Nigeria News Alert