Ekiti's N49.7bn Agro-Allied Airport launches commercial flights with United Nigeria

December 10, 2025 at 05:34 PM•2 min read

Ekiti State's N49.7 billion Agro-Allied Cargo Airport has officially launched commercial flights to Abuja and Lagos.

Key Points

1Ekiti State's N49.7 billion Agro-Allied Cargo Airport has officially commenced commercial flight operations with United Nigeria Airlines connecting Abuja and Lagos.
2The project incurred a total cost of N49.7 billion, with N34 billion spent by the current administration to complete civil works and regulatory requirements.
3The new airport aims to significantly boost regional employment, tourism, logistics, and agricultural exports for Ekiti State.
4Key infrastructure includes an Instrument Landing System, an aviation fuel tank via PPP, and donated navigational equipment worth $1.6 million.

Ekiti State, Nigeria, has officially commenced commercial flight operations at its new N49.7 billion (approximately $33 million USD) Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. The inaugural flight, operated by United Nigeria Airlines, transported passengers from Abuja and subsequently departed for Lagos, marking a significant milestone for the state's infrastructure development and economic aspirations. Governor Biodun Oyebanji presided over the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the airport's role in connecting Ekiti to national and global markets.

The total expenditure on the project, which began in 2019, stands at N49.774 billion. Governor Oyebanji detailed that N14 billion was invested by previous administrations, covering initial compensation, site clearing, regulatory approvals, and major civil works including runway and terminal construction. His current administration committed over N34 billion in the last three years to complete outstanding civil works, install critical systems like the Instrument Landing System, and fulfill regulatory requirements, culminating in the approval for commercial flights. The state also partnered with Reeve Energy Nigeria Ltd. for an aviation fuel tank under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The Agro-Allied Cargo Airport is envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth, aiming to boost employment, tourism, logistics, global exports, and agricultural investment within Ekiti State. CCECC Nigeria Ltd., the main contractor, highlighted the facility as a "new sky gateway" for the region. Dignitaries, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and the Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Aviation, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, attended the event, with Kofarmata describing the launch as a "historic milestone" aligning with the federal government's commitment to aviation sector growth and job creation.

Former Governor Kayode Fayemi lauded Governor Oyebanji's dedication to completing the long-standing project. Additionally, Aare Afe Babalola contributed significantly by donating navigational equipment valued at $1.6 million and funding a N356.7 million 100-car capacity parking lot, underscoring community support for the vital infrastructure. United Nigeria Airlines Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, announced future plans to introduce student flight discounts, further enhancing accessibility.