Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed plans to ensure that the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport operates 24 hours a day to make the route more competitive.
He expressed satisfaction with the state’s economic progress over the past two and a half years and pledged to further drive sustainable development and improve citizens’ living standards.
Speaking on Monday night during the March edition of his monthly media chat, Meet Your Governor, Oyebanji stated that his administration aims to establish the airport as a key economic hub, attracting investors and boosting economic activities.
He revealed that discussions are ongoing with three major airlines in Nigeria to commence commercial operations at the airport, which will enhance air travel, tourism, investment, and cargo transportation for local and international markets.
Expressing optimism that at least two of these airlines would begin operations, Oyebanji emphasized the state’s commitment to installing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to facilitate 24-hour flights.
“The issue is to make the route profitable and competitive for airlines, and if it is profitable, they will bring their planes. Part of our strategy is to make it an airport of choice, and by next year, it will also handle Hajj and Christian pilgrimage flights.
“To achieve this, we must establish a structure that supports 24-hour landing. The Instrument Landing System (ILS) enables night operations and allows planes to land in extreme weather. Currently, an ILS costs about N4.6 billion, but we are determined to get it done.
“We are confident that before the end of this year, the ILS will be installed at Ado Airport. Once completed, it will be the second airport in the Southwest, after Lagos, to have this capability, allowing aircraft to land at night. We are also engaging a vendor to provide a hangar for airport services, making it part of a broader development plan,” the Governor explained.
Oyebanji also confirmed that a cargo shed is under construction at the airport to serve as a storage facility for farm produce and cash crops. He commended Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, for facilitating its inclusion in the budget.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport received approval for non-scheduled flight operations for six months last December. Oyebanji expressed confidence that the airport would become highly competitive once commercial flights commence.
Highlighting the economic progress under his administration, he noted an increase in business activities due to an improved business environment, higher internally generated revenue, and enhanced security.
The Governor revealed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had risen from about N600 million to over N2 billion monthly. He attributed this growth to increased taxpayer confidence, as residents can see the government effectively utilizing tax revenues to develop the state.
He dismissed speculations that development efforts were focused only on Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, emphasizing that various projects had been executed in rural areas as well. He pledged to continue working for the people until the end of his tenure, undistracted by political activities.
On the state’s finances, Oyebanji clarified that government revenue, including allocations to local governments, is publicly available, as published by the Accountant General’s office.
He assured that his administration does not interfere with local government funds, explaining that the State House of Assembly has enacted a law establishing the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), ensuring that local government funds come directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) into a designated account.
“The funds for local governments go straight to their accounts from the CBN. I do not get involved in how the money is allocated; my role is to monitor the projects executed by council chairmen to ensure they align with the needs of the people and meet acceptable standards,” he stated.
