Ogun State has officially joined Nigeria’s aviation map as the Gateway International Airport, Ilishan-Remo, commenced commercial flight operations on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in the state’s infrastructural development drive.
The historic inaugural flight, operated by ValueJet with registration number 5N-BXS, departed the Gateway Airport at 10:10 a.m. with 90 passengers on board, en route to Abuja.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who presided over the ceremony, described the event as a dream fulfilled and a testament to his administration’s commitment to transforming Ogun into a modern economic hub with world-class infrastructure.
He recalled that the project began in 2021 as part of a deliberate vision to establish a multimodal transport system connecting road, rail, air, and eventually sea, adding that the new airport positions Ogun State among states with operational international-standard airports.
“I am glad to witness this day. This is real, not politics or photo ops. Commercial operations have now started in Ogun State. Some doubted us when we began in 2021, but today, we are proud to be part of Nigeria’s aviation map,” Abiodun stated.
The governor emphasized that the Gateway International Airport, located along the Iperu-Ilisan axis, is strategically positioned within an Aerotropolis that houses major industrial projects, including the world’s biggest textile plant and the Nigeria Customs Service’s modern village.
According to him, the facility is designed to serve the growing population and industrial needs of Ogun, Nigeria’s industrial capital, while also boosting investment, job creation, and tourism.
“This airport is not just about flights. It’s an economic gateway. More people are coming to live, work, and play in Ogun State. The airport connects our roads and rails, and soon, our seaports,” the governor added.
Officials from the aviation sector, including the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona-Najomo, and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Farouk Umar, commended the state for meeting regulatory standards and promised continued support toward the commencement of international flights.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, described the development as a fulfillment of the dreams of the state’s founding fathers, noting that residents will now enjoy easier air travel without the stress of going to Lagos.
“What we are seeing here was once a refuse dump. Today, it’s a world-class airport. This will bring comfort and economic growth to our people,” he said.
Similarly, Hon. Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, representing Imeko-Afon/Yewa North in the House of Representatives, urged investors to leverage the airport’s opportunities to expand their businesses.
