The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the planned shutdown of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo state for six months for maintenance and upgrade works to take place.
The state government is upgrading the domestic airport into an international airport.
Michael Achimugu, director of public affairs and consumer protection at the NCAA disclosed this on Friday, February 28, 2025, via his X handle.
In his tweet, Achimugu said:
This announcement is coming barely eight months after the state got the approval of President Bola Tinubu, to improve the airport to an international status.
In June, President Bola Tinubu approved the upgrade of Ibadan Domestic Airport to an international airport.
Seyi Makinde, Oyo state government, announced the development in Ibadan, stating that the upgrade would include runway expansion, extension, and a general facility overhaul.
Already, the state government has approved the award of a contract for the dualisation of the Ibadan Airport road and other link roads.
Once completed, the airport will be able to accommodate international flights from around the world.
Makinde also confirmed that construction of a new international terminal would commence in January 2025 as part of efforts to bring the airport up to international standards.
The development follows the groundbreaking ceremony for the project’s first phase, held on 18 September 2024.
Makinde also stated that upon completion of the airport upgrade, which includes the expansion and extension of the runway and the general upgrade of facilities, the state will begin to receive international flights.
In a similar announcement, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stated on its social media handles that the Oyo State Government intends to upgrade the Ibadan airport to international status.
According to FAAN, the Oyo state government had sent “a powerful delegation” to meet with its Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, to discuss the project.
FAAN wrote::
Earlier, TimesNow.com.ng reported that the Abia government declared that the construction of its airport was ready to commence.
Residents of the communities where the airport would be located had raised concerns about the project.
However, the state government revealed it had addressed the concerns and expressed hope that the project would be beneficial to the growth of Abia state.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at TimesNow.com.ng.
