Ruth Haines
The Ekiti State Airport, also known as the Ekiti Agro-Cargo Airport, is an airport development project serving Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The airport was initially proposed in 2012 by former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who described the airport as a dream come true for the state. Construction on the airport began in October 2019, and the airport was inaugurated in October 2022. However, as of 2024, the airport has not yet begun commercial operations, with critics arguing that it is a waste of resources. Despite this, the airport has received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to commence non-scheduled flight operations, with the state government allocating funds in its 2023 budget for further development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is there an airport in Ekiti State? | Yes, the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport was inaugurated in 2022. |
| Is the airport operational? | No, the airport is not operational as of February 2024, but it has received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to begin non-scheduled flight operations from December 15, 2024. |
| What is the purpose of the airport? | The airport is intended to boost the state's economy by facilitating the import and export of goods, connecting people to facilities like universities and hospitals, and promoting tourism. |
| What is the status of the construction? | Construction was completed in 2024, and the airport is ready for operation, pending additional certifications for commercial operations. |
| What is the cost of the project? | The airport cost N20 billion. |
| Who proposed the airport? | The project was initially proposed by the Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, in 2012. |
| What is the expected impact? | The airport is expected to positively impact agriculture, investment, and socioeconomic development in the state. |
| Are there any concerns or controversies? | Yes, there have been concerns about the viability and necessity of the airport, with critics calling it a waste of resources. There were also initial disputes over land acquisition, compensation issues, and a lack of prior building notice. |
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What You'll Learn
The New Ekiti Airport was inaugurated in 2022
The New Ekiti Airport in Ado-Ekiti was inaugurated in 2022, marking a significant milestone in the state's history and development. The airport, also known as the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, is designed to boost the state's connectivity and actively participate in global commerce and tourism. This $35.8 million project has been a long time coming, with plans and construction spanning several years.
The idea of an airport in Ekiti State was initially proposed and rejected by the Nigerian Government, citing conflicts with plans to upgrade other airports to international standards. However, in 2015, the state government revisited the project, and construction finally commenced in October 2019. The airport is strategically located within the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), enhancing the state's connectivity and accessibility.
The inauguration ceremony in 2022 was a momentous occasion, with the first aircraft, an ATR 42 Nigeria Air Force plane, landing on the runway and marking the official opening of the airport. The event was met with enthusiasm by citizens and government officials alike, who recognised the potential impact on the state's economy and tourism. The Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, described the airport as "an extremely very important project", highlighting its role in facilitating the import and export of goods.
However, despite the inauguration, the airport faced delays in becoming fully operational. In 2023, construction was still ongoing in several areas, including the arrival and departure buildings, and no commercial activity had taken place. The state government allocated additional funds in its 2023 budget for further development, including navigational aids, lighting, and terminal completion. Finally, in December 2024, the airport received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operations, a significant step forward.
The New Ekiti Airport is expected to have a positive impact on the state's socioeconomic development, making it more accessible and enhancing its potential for trade and tourism. The airport's inauguration is a testament to the state government's commitment to improving infrastructure and the lives of its citizens. While there have been challenges and delays, the airport now stands as a symbol of progress and a catalyst for future growth in Ekiti State.
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The airport is located in Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is located in Ado-Ekiti. The airport was inaugurated in October 2022 by the former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, who described the airport as a "dream come true".
The airport is designed to boost the state's socioeconomic development by making it more accessible. Indeed, the airport will enhance the state's connectivity to other parts of the country and the world. It is expected to facilitate the import and export of goods and commodities, boost agricultural production, and reduce foreign medical tourism by providing easier access to local educational and health institutions.
The airport has faced some criticism, with some questioning the need for an airport in the state and expressing concerns about the allocation of resources to the project. There have also been disputes over land acquisition, compensation issues, and a lack of prior building notice. Despite these challenges, the airport received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in December 2024 to commence non-scheduled flight operations.
The airport in Ado-Ekiti is an important development for the state, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the local economy and connectivity in the region.
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The airport is yet to begin commercial operations
The Ekiti State Airport in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, is a proposed airport development serving the city of Ado-Ekiti. The project was initially rejected by the Nigerian government, citing that the project would conflict with plans to upgrade four airports to international standards. However, in 2015, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, revisited the project, announcing plans to establish an airport for the state.
The airport was inaugurated in 2022, and the first aircraft landed on October 16, 2022. Despite the inauguration, the airport has not yet begun commercial operations. In February 2024, it was reported that the airport was still undergoing construction, with workers seen working on the flooring in front of the arrival lounge, and the air traffic control remained incomplete. The Ekiti State Government has stated that they are waiting for additional certifications to begin commercial operations, which will incur additional costs.
The airport has received mixed reactions from the public. Some citizens are enthusiastic about the airport, believing that it will boost the state's economy, agriculture, and tourism. However, others have criticised the project as a waste of money, arguing that the funds could have been better spent on other development projects in the state.
In December 2024, the airport received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operations for a six-month period, indicating a step towards the eventual commencement of commercial operations. The Ekiti State Government has allocated funds in its 2023 budget for the further development of the airport, including the procurement of navigational aids, lighting, and completion of terminal areas.
The airport in Ekiti State is still in the process of becoming fully operational, and while it has received approval for non-scheduled flights, it has not yet commenced commercial operations as of the latest updates in early 2025.
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The airport is expected to boost the state's economy and tourism
The Ekiti Airport, also known as the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, is a proposed airport development serving Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The airport project was initially rejected by the Nigerian government, citing conflicts with plans to upgrade four airports to international standards. However, the project was revisited in 2015, and construction commenced in October 2019.
The airport is designed to facilitate the import and export of goods and commodities, with 35% of global trade by value being moved through airports. It is also expected to reduce foreign medical tourism, as people will be able to connect more easily to educational and health institutions. The state government has allocated funds for the procurement of navigational aids, lighting, and the completion of terminal arrivals and departures areas, which are crucial for the airport to commence full operations.
While there has been excitement among residents and some government officials about the airport's potential impact on the state's socioeconomic development, others have criticised the project as a waste of resources. Some residents and activists have questioned the need for an airport, arguing that the funds could be better utilised for other purposes that would directly benefit the people of Ekiti State. There have also been concerns about the readiness of the airport, with critics pointing out that it was inaugurated in a hurry before it was fully complete and operational.
Despite the mixed reactions, the Ekiti Airport has received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operations, effective December 15, 2024. This approval is a significant step forward, and the state government is working towards obtaining additional certifications to begin commercial operations. The success of the airport will depend on effective planning and management, learning from successful airport models in other states and nations.
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The airport has faced opposition and delays
The Ekiti State Airport in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, has faced opposition and delays since its proposal. Initially rejected by the Nigerian government, the project conflicted with plans to upgrade four airports to international standards. The airport faced further delays in 2015 due to disputes over land acquisition, compensation issues, and a lack of prior building notice.
Despite these setbacks, the Ekiti State government remained committed to the project, including it in their 2017 budget. Construction commenced in October 2019, and the airport was inaugurated in October 2022. However, the airport has yet to become fully operational, with critics arguing that it was commissioned prematurely. As of February 2024, construction workers were still spotted on-site, and commercial activity was non-existent.
Opposition to the airport has come from various quarters, including political opponents and local residents. Some, like Samuel Adekunle, a printer in Ado-Ekiti, believe the airport is unnecessary and a waste of scarce resources. He was quoted as saying, "I don't think there is any need to have an airport that is not viable, commercially oriented, and just tying down our capital."
Others, like Ekiti-based activist Olatunbosun Emmanuel, questioned the haste in commissioning the airport when it was not yet ready for use. Emmanuel suggested that improving the road infrastructure between Akure and Ado-Ekiti would have been a better use of funds.
In defence of the project, the All Progressives Congress Publicity Secretary in Ekiti State, Mr Segun Dipe, argued that the project would boost the state's economy and that the governor should be commended for his efforts. The airport is expected to facilitate the import and export of goods, enhance tourism, and provide better access to educational and health institutions.
Despite receiving approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operations in December 2024, the airport continues to face delays in becoming fully operational.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an airport in Ekiti State. The Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, also known as the New Ekiti Airport, was inaugurated in October 2022.
The Ekiti State Airport was inaugurated on October 15, 2022, by the former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi.
As of February 2024, the airport had not yet begun commercial operations. However, it received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operations effective December 15, 2024, for a six-month period ending June 15, 2025.
