Officials of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Monday initiated flight checks at the Gateway International Airport in Ogun State, marking a critical step toward the commencement of commercial flight operations at the facility.
The exercise, conducted by the agency’s Flight Calibration Services unit, focused on validating the operational procedures designed for the airport to ensure air traffic safety and efficiency.
Speaking during the inspection, the Manager of Flight Calibration Services at NAMA, Engr. Miri Selzing, emphasized the importance of the exercise in aligning the airport’s operational plans with regulatory procedures.
“Our purpose for coming here is to check the proposed procedures that have been defined for the airport,” Selzing explained. “This is a significant process and not something that can be concluded in a short time. Our visit is the beginning of the validation of the procedure.”
He further revealed that the team had reviewed and tested the procedures in-flight and would return to their base for deeper analysis. “From there, we will be able to come up with recommendations and modifications where necessary,” he added.
Selzing expressed satisfaction with the physical state of the airport, describing the infrastructure as impressive. “The runway, about four kilometers long—the longest in the country—is very impressive. The airport has a good terminal building; everything is fine, so it is a great job being done here,” he said.
He commended the Ogun State Government for establishing a world-class facility within a short timeframe. However, he called for the installation of additional equipment to enhance navigation.
“The airport would benefit greatly from the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other navigational aids. This will facilitate aircraft arrival and departure, especially in poor visibility,” he advised.
Highlighting the capacity of the airport, Selzing noted: “The runway is long and large enough to accommodate any type of aircraft. The airport would handle diversions from Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin. We commend the Ogun State government for such a laudable project, and we are prepared to assist as more facilities are installed at the airport.”
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, confirmed that the NAMA team had conducted the “23 and 05” flight checks and identified the necessary “waypoint” for future flight operations.
“This is one of the last elements we need to address to obtain commercial approval,” Akinsanya said. “Once the flight check is finalized, the procedure will be developed and made available online to enhance accessibility to the airport.”
He also shared updates on the project’s status, saying, “While work on any airport around the world is an ongoing process, Gateway International Airport is already 97 percent complete. The control tower, air traffic control officers, fire fighters, and other critical infrastructure are already in place.”
