Ogun Airport Boasts Longest Runway in West Africa, Nears Completion

The Ogun State government has declared that the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport is leading as the best in Nigeria and the West African sub-region, boasting the longest runway and world-class facilities.

During an interactive session with the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) at the airport site, government officials emphasized the unique selling points of the facility. The session was attended by key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya; Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo; the Airport Manager, Captain Dapo Olumide; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade.

Engr. Akinsanya, speaking on the airport’s infrastructure, described it as a monumental achievement. "The airport has the best facilities in Nigeria and the West African corridor. Its 4 km long and 60 m wide runway, equivalent to 17 lanes of road infrastructure, is designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350," he said.

He further noted that the airport is nearing completion, with 95-98 percent of the project already done. "The total size of the airport is 5,000 hectares, with the first phase covering 900 hectares. The project is part of a broader master plan to establish an aerotropolis that will feature hotels, amusement parks, and cinemas in the future," he explained.

Highlighting the readiness of the airport for operations, Akinsanya stated, "The runway has been completed for a long time, and our fire station is operational with three fire tenders. We are currently class six and will soon move to class seven. Once we get NCAA approval for commercial operations, we will begin, as we already have the nod for chartered flights."

Captain Olumide, the Airport Manager, emphasized the airport’s unique approach to securing an operating permit instead of the traditional Aerodrome Certificate. He explained that this status aligns with the new ENCAS 2023 standards, which impose stricter requirements.

"Some might wonder why the project is taking time, but the difference lies in our ambition to achieve an operating permit, which is far superior to the Aerodrome Certificate. This will make us the first airport in Nigeria with such a status," he said.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, noted that the airport is strategically located within a special agricultural processing zone, one of eight across Nigeria. He described the facility as a legacy project of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Meanwhile, Suleiman Idris, Chairman of LAAC and Editor of the Aviation and Transport section of Blueprint Newspaper, lauded the Ogun State government’s vision. "After an on-the-spot assessment, I can confidently say this airport is a futuristic initiative. It’s not just for Ogun State but for the entire South West region of Nigeria. The facilities here are unmatched," he said.