The upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan to international status promises significant benefits for Oyo State and Southwest. This transformation, aimed at enhancing regional and international connectivity, will alleviate congestion at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, boosting business, tourism and the local economy. Southwest Bureau Chief BISI OLADELE highlights the strategic importance of a second international airport in the Southwest Nigeria.
The upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, to international status by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration brings significant benefits not only to the people of the state but also to the entire Southwest region of Nigeria. This development will alleviate the travel burdens faced by businesspeople, scholars, government officials, politicians, and tourists who frequently visit Ibadan. It will provide a convenient alternative to the often-congested Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA) in Lagos, sparing travellers the frustrations of long queues, flight delays, and road traffic bottlenecks.
In a noteworthy move, the Federal Government officially renamed the airport Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport last year, as part of a nationwide initiative to honour prominent figures by renaming public infrastructure. Currently, the airport operates domestic flights on the Ibadan-Abuja route, and passenger numbers have been steadily increasing, suggesting a growing demand and promising prospects for the future. This expansion signals a bright future for the airport as it prepares to serve more international routes, further boosting the economic and cultural ties between Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria, and the world.
The Ibadan-Abuja route, once considered unattractive due to limited airline options and small aircraft serving the route, has seen a significant turnaround in recent times. Passengers previously dissatisfied with the single airline operating the route, and the discomfort of flying in smaller planes, often chose to travel via Lagos. However, this dynamic move began to shift after Governor Makinde initiated key infrastructure improvements aimed at revitalising the airport and enhancing its services. Last year, Governor Makinde made a series of transformative upgrades to the road network leading to the airport, including converting the outer Old Ife Road through the airport area into a dual carriageway. This move greatly improved accessibility and comfort for travellers. Additionally, the governor renovated the airport’s fire service building and donated a modern fire truck, further upgrading the airport’s safety infrastructure.
One of the major hurdles for the airport had been the lack of sufficient refuelling capacity for aircraft. To address this, Governor Makinde facilitated the construction of an aviation storage tank and aircraft fuelling facility, which was developed by the private oil firm BOVAS and Co. Limited. This facility ensures that the airport can cater to aircraft that require more fuel to reach their next destination, removing a significant logistical barrier for airlines. As a result of these improvements, Ibadan Airport now welcomes three new airlines — Air Peace, Green Africa and Overland — operating daily flights with larger aircraft that can accommodate up to 250 passengers. The enhanced airline services, along with the upgraded facilities, have led to a rise in passenger traffic and growing confidence in the airport’s capabilities.
Governor Makinde’s efforts culminated in a request to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the airport’s upgrade to international status, which he committed to funding through the state government. Some months ago, the approval for this upgrade was granted, a move that has been met with enthusiasm by many, though some critics questioned the necessity of the project, citing the proximity of Ibadan to Lagos and its international airport, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA).
In response to these criticisms, Governor Makinde confidently challenged detractors to provide data to substantiate their claims that the investment would be a waste of state resources. At the ground-breaking ceremony for the upgrade, the governor explained that the decision was based on extensive research and data analysis, emphasising that the evidence supported the project’s viability and the long-term benefits it would bring to the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, and the entire Southwest region of Nigeria.
He said: “We have our data. For those who think this project is not proper, we take decisions based on logic, science and data. The decision to upgrade this airport was based on solid data and logic. If you have your own data that contradicts ours, please let us have a public debate. I am sure that in the next 12 months, this project will be delivered. I will push the envelope. Anyone who wants to question what we are doing should visit Angola that just completed its own airport at the cost of $3 billion. This is no joke. If you want to tap into a $3 billion industry, you must be ready to be bold and we are bold here in Oyo State.”
According to the governor, the first phase of the ambitious upgrade project for airport is set to cost N41 billion. This phase, flagged off recently, marks a significant milestone in transforming the airport into an international hub. Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, Chairman of the Airport Upgrade Committee, outlined the key improvements to expect. The runway, which currently measures 2,400 meters, will be extended to 3,000 meters, with its shoulders widened from 45 to 60 meters to accommodate larger aircraft. The first phase will also include the installation of advanced lighting systems to enable night-time operations. The apron will be expanded to 56,250 square meters, creating parking space for up to six Airbus A330 aircraft and ensuring a 7.5-meter clearance for Class E aircraft.
Additionally, the upgrade will enhance airside facilities, including the construction of a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar, a modern fire bay, and ground navigation systems. A new parking lot for vehicles and a cargo terminal will also be built to support growing air traffic and trade. In terms of fuel supply, BOVAS, which constructed the new fuelling facility, foresaw the future growth of air traffic at the airport and built a high-capacity fuel station to meet the demand of increased flights. Before international services can commence, additional security posts will be constructed, and a new terminal will be built in the second phase of the project.
Adekanmbi also reassured the public that the ongoing expansion is confined to the operational premises of the airport and will not affect any nearby buildings or encroachments on airport land. Once the first phase is completed, international flights can begin immediately, and the expanded infrastructure will also allow for larger domestic flights, should the need arise. Governor Makinde has assured that this phase of the upgrade will be completed within 12 months. The project committee, comprising prominent figures such as Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), Alhaji Kabir Mohammed, Architect Yomi Onilude and several other experts, is overseeing the implementation of the upgrades. When the upgrade is completed, Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport will be better equipped to serve the growing population of Oyo State, which exceeds seven million, as well as residents of neighbouring states such as Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, and Kwara. The enhanced airport will provide a vital gateway for international travel, significantly boosting the region’s economic and tourism potential.
History and recent developments
The history of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport dates back to the colonial era when the Royal Air Force of the British Government constructed an airstrip in Ibadan to support domestic flight operations. However, the early years were marked by significant challenges, as the runway was unpaved and there was no functional terminal building. During this time, the region’s aviation needs were primarily met by more established airports in Lagos and Kano. In 1953, the Civil Aviation Department took control of the airport, upgrading the infrastructure by tarring the runway and constructing a terminal building. This terminal housed a fire station, Nigeria Airways office, as well as departments for meteorology and telecommunications. With the population of Ibadan growing and the city emerging as a central hub for politics, commerce, and education, the need for a more robust airport became increasingly apparent.
In 1959, it was clear that Ibadan’s aviation infrastructure needed further development. The city’s growing prominence highlighted the need for an airport capable of accommodating regional flights, leading to official discussions about upgrading the airport to handle increased traffic. Eventually, the airport was inaugurated in June 1982 by Senate President Joseph Wayas, becoming an official regional airport dedicated to domestic flights. At this time, it had a modest terminal and a runway that could only accommodate smaller aircraft like the DHC-8, F-27, and small military planes.
As Ibadan rapidly urbanised, the original location in Bodija became too congested, prompting a move to the Alakia area, a suburb at the time, which allowed for further expansion and modernisation. These improvements included upgrading the terminal building, runway, and the introduction of more advanced navigation and communication systems managed by the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). As the airport evolved, it attracted airlines such as Nexus Aviation, Albarka Air, Overland Airways, Capital Air, and Associated Airlines.
Under the leadership of Stella Oduah as Aviation Minister, a major renovation project was undertaken to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. The project involved the remodelling of the terminal building, enhancing the overall passenger experience and modernising the facilities. This revamped terminal was officially inaugurated on May 18, 2019. As Ibadan’s development has progressed, so too has the airport’s role within Nigeria’s broader aviation industry. With a growing focus on regional airports, Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport has become a key component in supporting economic growth and regional connectivity. The airport now features a 2,400-meter by 45-meter runway, an apron with the capacity to park three Boeing 737 aircraft, and a Category One Airfield Lighting System. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities, including a departure hall, arrival hall, baggage claim, VIP and protocol lounges, staff offices, a clinic, cargo storage and a variety of public conveniences.
The upgrade is expected to transform Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport into the second international air travel hub in Southwest Nigeria, following the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA) in Lagos. This upgrade is poised to support a new era of regional and international connectivity, enhancing travel options for businesses, tourists and institutions.
