The story of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is one of continuity, revival, and collaborative state building. What today stands as a major aviation and economic infrastructure in Ekiti State began as an idea more than a decade ago.
The airport project was first conceived in 2010 under the administration of Engineer Segun Oni, laying the foundation for Ekiti’s long-term aviation ambition. In 2014, the project was conceptualised and pushed forward by Governor Ayodele Fayose, but progress was stalled due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and funding constraints.
A major turning point came under Dr John Kayode Fayemi, who revived the project decisively. Construction officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony on 18 October 2019, marking the transition from planning to execution. This phase culminated in a milestone event on 15 October 2022, when a ceremonial test flight successfully landed on the completed runway pavement, confirming the airport’s technical readiness.
Between 2022 and 2025, the airport underwent significant upgrades under the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. These improvements transformed the facility into a modern, dual-purpose airport designed to support agribusiness, cargo logistics, tourism, and passenger travel.
A critical contribution to the project came from Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), who provided substantial financial and technical support. He donated navigational aids (CVOR/DME) and control tower equipment valued at approximately $1.6 million, and also funded the construction of a 100-car capacity parking facility costing ₦356,795,039.
The airport features a 3.2-kilometre runway built to international standards, capable of accommodating aircraft such as the Boeing 737. History was made when Governor Oyebanji officially inaugurated the first commercial flight service, formally opening Ekiti State to scheduled air connectivity. Commercial operations commenced in December 2025, with flights linking Ekiti to major Nigerian cities including Lagos and Abuja.
The Ekiti Airport now stands as a landmark achievement in the state’s development journey and a strategic asset for the wider southwest region.
Source:
Ekiti State Government official communications; public project records; Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport project brief
