The Gateway International Airport, Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, has achieved a historic milestone as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted it Nigeria’s first-ever Aerodrome Operational Permit (AOP).
The NCAA approval, announced on Friday, makes the facility the first airport in the country to secure the certification under the agency’s enhanced regulatory framework.
In a further boost to its operational readiness, the Instrument Landing System/Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) installed on Runway 23 of the airport was declared “totally satisfactory in all respects” by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The clearance, issued after a successful flight inspection on September 4, 2025, authorizes unrestricted use of the navigational aid.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, described the approvals as a validation of his administration’s vision to position Ogun State as a hub for commerce, investment, and global connectivity.
“This achievement is not just for Ogun State but for Nigeria as a whole. The Gateway International Airport is a symbol of progress and a new benchmark for aviation infrastructure,” the governor said.
With the certifications, the Gateway International Airport is set to play a transformative role in Nigeria’s aviation sector, offering safer and more reliable operations, direct international market access for farmers, expanded job opportunities for youths, and easing congestion at Lagos airports.
