Ekiti State Airport: Does It Exist?

Ekiti State, Nigeria, is set to have its own airport, with construction commencing in October 2019. The airport, located in Ado-Ekiti, was initially proposed in 2010 but was rejected by the Nigerian Government. The Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, assured the people of the state that the airport would be completed before the end of his term in October 2022. The airport is designed to be an 'Agro-Cargo Airport', with a 3.2km runway capable of handling all types of aircraft. The project is valued at N20 billion and is expected to positively impact agriculture and investment in the state.

The Ekiti airport project was initially rejected by the Nigerian government

The Ekiti State government included the construction of the New Ekiti Airport in its 2017 budget, and construction finally commenced on October 18, 2019. The airport is designed to serve the city of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, and is expected to boost the state's agriculture, investment, tourism, and educational sectors. The project covers approximately 4,000 acres of land, and upon completion, it will facilitate the transportation of cash crops from the proposed special Agriculture Processing Zone to various destinations, securing early market advantages for the state's agricultural and industrial development plans.

The airport's 3.2-kilometre runway is designed to handle all types of aircraft and will also accommodate the Nigerian Air Force's operations. The construction of the runway was completed in July 2022, and the entire project was expected to be finished before the end of Governor Kayode Fayemi's term in October 2022. However, as of October 2022, the airport was inaugurated even though certain facilities were still incomplete.

The Ekiti Airport project has experienced delays and challenges, including disputes over land acquisition, compensation issues, and a lack of prior building notice. Despite these hurdles, the state government has continued to allocate funds for its development, including navigational aids, lighting, and the completion of terminal areas. As of February 2023, the airport could only handle military aircraft, and the process of obtaining certification for commercial operations was ongoing. The Ekiti State government remains committed to ensuring that the airport meets the required standards and becomes fully operational, with the necessary infrastructure and approvals in place.

The airport's 3.2km runway can accommodate all aircraft types

The New Ekiti Airport in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, has a 3.2km runway that can accommodate all types of aircraft. The airport, which was inaugurated in October 2022, is an 'Agro-Cargo Airport' that is expected to positively impact agriculture and investment in the state.

The airport's runway is designed to handle all aircraft types, from small private planes to large commercial jets. This versatility in aircraft accommodation is a significant advantage, allowing for a range of aviation activities, including passenger travel, cargo transport, and military operations.

The Ekiti Airport's runway is an essential component of its infrastructure, enabling the facility to cater to diverse aviation needs. The length of the runway, at 3.2km, is a crucial factor in its ability to accommodate various aircraft. Longer runways can handle larger and heavier planes, as they require more space for take-off and landing.

The airport's capacity to handle all aircraft types enhances its operational flexibility and efficiency. It can cater to a broader range of flights, increasing its utility for passengers, businesses, and the military. This capability is particularly advantageous for a cargo airport, as it allows for the efficient transport of goods using various aircraft types, ensuring the smooth flow of cargo in and out of the state.

The construction of the Ekiti Airport's runway to accommodate all aircraft types demonstrates the state's forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development. By creating a versatile and adaptable facility, the state has invested in a long-term asset that can support a variety of aviation activities and contribute to the economic growth and development of the region.

The airport will have facilities for the Nigerian Air Force

The Ekiti State government in Nigeria has constructed an airport in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. The airport, known as the Ekiti Agro-Cargo Airport, was commissioned in October 2022 and has a 3.2km runway, capable of handling all types of aircraft. The state government allocated funds in its 2023 budget for the procurement of navigational aids and lighting, as well as the completion of terminal arrivals and departures areas. The airport is expected to boost the state's economy and turn it into a special economic zone.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the air branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces and is currently one of the largest air forces in Africa, with over 15,000 personnel. The Ekiti Airport will have facilities dedicated to the NAF, allowing them to conduct their operations, maintenance, and associated engineering work. The airport will be a valuable addition to the NAF's existing network of bases and airstrips across the country.

The NAF has a range of aircraft in its inventory, including fighter jets, attack helicopters, transport planes, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The inclusion of facilities for the NAF at the Ekiti Airport will provide several benefits to the state and the country's defence capabilities. Firstly, it will enhance the NAF's presence in the region, enabling quicker response times to any incidents or emergencies. The NAF's search and rescue capabilities will also be augmented, providing support to both military and civilian operations. Furthermore, the NAF's ability to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions will be improved, contributing to overall national security.

The facilities at the Ekiti Airport dedicated to the NAF will include dedicated hangars or parking areas for aircraft, maintenance and engineering bays, fuel storage and refuelling systems, accommodation and administrative buildings for personnel, and possibly control towers or air traffic control facilities. The exact specifications of the NAF facilities are not publicly available, but they will be designed to meet the NAF's operational requirements and ensure the efficient functioning of their aircraft and personnel.

The addition of the Ekiti Airport to the NAF's infrastructure demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening the country's defence capabilities and ensuring the NAF has the necessary resources to carry out its mandate effectively. The NAF's presence at the airport will also contribute to the safety and security of the facility, deterring potential threats and ensuring the smooth operation of civilian and military activities.

The airport is located in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital

The Ekiti State in Nigeria is set to have its own airport, with construction commencing in October 2019. The airport is located in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The airport, known as the Ekiti International Agro Cargo Airport, is part of the state government's efforts to establish an airport to serve the city of Ado-Ekiti. The project initially faced setbacks due to the Nigerian government's rejection, citing conflicts with plans to upgrade other airports to international standards. However, the proposal resurfaced in 2015, and construction began in October 2019.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has expressed confidence in the completion of the airport before the end of his tenure in October 2022. During a tour of the airport, he shared his delight at the progress made and emphasised the potential impact on the state's economy. The airport is designed to accommodate all types of aircraft, with a 3.2km runway, and will also provide facilities for the Nigerian Air Force.

The development of the Ekiti Airport is expected to significantly enhance the state's economic prospects, transforming it into a destination for innovation, creativity, and various technical fields. The airport will also contribute to the establishment of a special economic zone linked to the knowledge zone, offering a wide range of facilities.

The project has received support from the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, who voted in favour of the proposal in September 2015. The state government has allocated funds for the airport's development, including navigational aids, lighting, and the completion of terminal areas.

The nearest major airport to Ekiti State University is Ilorin Airport

The New Ekiti Airport is a proposed airport development serving the city of Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State. The project was initially rejected by the Nigerian Government, citing the project would conflict with plans to upgrade four airports to international standards. However, the proposal was later approved, and construction commenced on 18 October 2019. The airport's 3.2km runway is complete and was constructed with the capacity to handle all types of aircraft. The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has expressed confidence in the project, stating that it will be completed before the end of his term. The airport is expected to have a positive impact on agriculture and investment in the state.

Other major airports near Ekiti State University include Ibadan Airport, 195 km away, and Benin Airport, 229 km away. These airports offer domestic flights within Nigeria and serve as alternatives to Ilorin Airport for travellers to and from Ekiti State University.

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