Ogun Agro-Cargo Airport Nears Completion, Awaits NCAA Approval

The Ogun State government has announced that its Agro-Cargo International Airport in Ilishan-Remo is 95% completed and on track for full delivery. The state also confirmed that charter service operations have already commenced at the multi-billion-naira facility.

Speaking to journalists during a facility tour on Monday, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, noted that the airport would begin scheduled flight operations as soon as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) grants its approval.

“Overall, where we are today, I am certain that we are good to go. When we get approval from the NCAA, we will begin commercial operations because right now, we have approval for charter flight. We are 95 percent completed, and the runway has been done for a long time. The fire station is operational with fire tenders in place, moving us from class 6 to class 7,” Akinsanya stated.

He revealed that while the terminal building is about 90% completed, the airport infrastructure, including state-of-the-art facilities, has already been positioned for operations. Akinsanya highlighted ongoing collaborations with regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to ensure the airport meets all standards.

“The runway, which is the longest in Nigeria, is 3.4km with a 600m safety zone, making it a total of 4km in length and 60m in width. It is designated as 4E, and the only one above it is 4F. The control tower is also the best in Nigeria, with all equipment tested and ready. Pilots who have landed here have commended its quality,” he added.

According to Akinsanya, the temporary terminal already surpasses the standards of some existing terminals in the country, while the permanent terminal is set to be completed by January. He noted that facilities such as the fire station, administrative building, and supporting weather stations are fully functional.

“We have a network of access roads leading to the airport from Lagos-Ibadan, Ikorodu, Sagamu, and Ijebu-Ode. There is also direct access from the Sagamu-Benin expressway to the airport entrance, ensuring smooth connectivity for passengers and cargo,” Akinsanya stated.

Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, described the airport as a strategic and viable project located at the nexus of Nigeria’s major road networks, facilitating seamless movement.

“The location is at the nexus of the most important roads in Nigeria—the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Benin-Sagamu Expressway. Additionally, a new road linking Benin-Sagamu is being constructed. This strategic location opens up the airport for increased activities,” Dairo said.

He emphasized the economic significance of the airport, noting its proximity to an agricultural processing zone supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), making it ideal for quick exportation of agro-produce.

“The airport is located within the leading agricultural processing zone in Nigeria, sponsored by the African Development Bank. It will serve as the anchor project, enhancing agricultural exports and facilitating agro-cargo operations. While the primary focus is on cargo, the airport will also cater to passenger flights, ensuring it becomes a legacy project that stands the test of time,” Dairo stated.