The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport has received approval from the Federal Government, FG, through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Yinka Oyebode, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, saying scheduled flight operations, also known as commercial flights, take effect from October 4.
Oyebode said the development follows a regulatory inspection and the expiration of the airport’s previous approval for non-scheduled flights, which was initially valid until December 2024.
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According to him, the new approval was confirmed in a letter dated October 3, and addressed to his principal, Oyebanji, which grants an initial operational permit for six months.
Oyebode added that the NCAA letter, with reference number NCAA/DAAS/TECH//043/Vol. 1/158, and signed by Engr. Godwin Balang, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, noted that a validation inspection conducted between June 16 and 19, 2025, revealed “significant compliance” with basic operational requirements for scheduled flights.
He said the inspection also confirmed that the instrument flight check validation report by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) was satisfactory.
Oyebode said the interim operational permit is subject to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or daylight operations (sunrise to sunset) limitations.
“This six-month period will allow the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport to address any outstanding requirements and proceed with the certification process, which could ultimately lead to the issuance of an Aerodrome Operational Permit with three years of validity.
“In a related development, the Ekiti State Government is currently in the advanced stages of installing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to facilitate night and all-weather operations.”
He noted that his principal hailed the NCAA’s decision as a substantial catalyst for the state’s economic growth.
He stated that the commencement of commercial services would boost agribusiness, tourism, general commerce, and medical tourism, further positioning Ekiti as a preferred destination for living, working, investing, and relaxing.
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According to him, the governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for fostering an environment conducive to socioeconomic development.
He also said Oyebanji acknowledged his predecessor, Kayode Fayemi, who initiated the airport project in 2019, Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), for his contributions, and members of the Airport Committee.
