The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, to commence scheduled commercial flight operations.
According to the NCAA, the approval — issued under Part 12.15.17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) — comes in the form of an Interim Aerodrome Operational Permit, authorising the airport to handle commercial passenger and cargo flights.
In a statement on Friday, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, announced that a major international aviation company is set to begin two weekly cargo flights from London to the Ogun facility. The airport will also function as the officially designated alternate to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Passenger operations are to commence with direct flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt, positioning the new airport as a critical hub for regional connectivity.
Boost for Trade, Investment, and Tourism
The Ogun State Government said the NCAA approval marks a milestone for its economic agenda, noting that the airport is expected to boost trade, investment, and tourism within and beyond the state.
The airport, specifically designed to support agro-allied industries and international cargo operations, is also projected to open fresh opportunities for businesses in Nigeria’s South-West region.
Global-Standard Facilities
It will be recalled that in December 2024, top regulatory agencies — including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and NCAA — conducted an inspection of the facility.
The inspection team praised the airport’s infrastructure, describing it as “world-class” and one of the best in West Africa. Facilities such as the Control Tower, Weather Monitoring Systems, Runway, Fire and Rescue Stations, and Apron were assessed and certified as meeting international aviation standards.
At the time, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the NCAA, represented by Mr. Ango Mohammed, highlighted the remarkable progress made since his previous visit.
“The facilities here are now at the level of any other tower in every standard airport around the globe,” he said.
With regulatory clearance secured, the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport is set to formally join Nigeria’s aviation network, establishing Ogun State as a new gateway for commerce, cargo, and passenger travel.
