Gov Makinde Explains Decision To Proceed With International Airport Project...CONTINUE READING
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that the decision to upgrade Ibadan Airport to an international airport was not made hastily. He emphasized that this initiative is aimed at boosting the state’s economic prosperity, rather than merely following the trend set by other states.
Makinde explained that the approval from President Bola Tinubu for the upgrade would significantly enhance the state’s economy, tourism, and create employment opportunities for citizens.
“This is not a hasty decision. We are not starting this project just because others are doing the same. This is a well-thought-out decision based on data, science, and logic. In fact, from Omituntun 1.0, we had already started taking action in this regard,” Governor Makinde said.
He revealed that his administration has completed a 500,000-liter aviation fuel storage facility. “We have completed the 500,000-liter aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility, which has been concessioned to Bovas Group. We have also upgraded part of the facilities at the airport, leading to new airlines like Green Africa and Air Peace including Ibadan in their flight schedules,” he added.
With the approval from President Tinubu, Makinde plans to focus on expanding and extending the runway. He noted that the international airport, once completed, would bring substantial development potential to key sectors of the state’s economy.
Beyond agriculture and tourism, the upgraded airport is expected to attract foreign investors interested in tapping into the state’s solid mineral resources. “One of the major considerations for investors is interconnectivity – how easily and quickly they can get in and out of a place for business. We can’t compete with global markets when people first have to go to Lagos, spend hours in traffic, and then head to Ibadan. The wasted man-hours are enough to keep serious investors away,” Makinde explained.
“The economic hub we are trying to create should attract companies looking to expand their business. An international airport will make such expansion easier. We have the potential to be a more attractive destination for businesses looking to establish regional headquarters or expand operations,” he continued.
Makinde highlighted Ibadan’s historical significance as a nodal city for traders, comparing its potential to that of Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. “Ibadan could become the Schiphol of Nigeria with an international airport. We will attract more international visitors who will come for business, leisure, or both, and they will spend money here, benefiting local businesses.”
He added that data indicates Ibadan would attract traffic from neighboring states, reducing dependence on Lagos and stimulating healthy competition within the Nigerian economy. “With the growing population and increasing air travel demand, Oyo State has a unique opportunity to leverage this growth.”
Acknowledging the project’s cost, Makinde asserted that the long-term benefits would outweigh the initial expenses. “The initial cost may seem enormous, but the benefits for posterity, as shown from the analysis, outweigh the cost. We are already leveraging our comparative advantage in agriculture by attracting big businesses to our state. This international airport will further enhance economic benefits from these businesses,” he concluded.
“This is a strategic investment, and posterity will recognize the value of upgrading the Ibadan Airport to international standards,” Makinde affirmed.