Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, has announced a significant development regarding the Ibadan Domestic Airport, Alakia, stating that President Bola Tinubu has approved its upgrade to an international airport.
Makinde made this announcement on Wednesday at the Government House in Ibadan. In a widely circulated video on social media, the governor was seen confirming, “The President has graciously approved my request for the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an International Airport.”
The initiative follows a resolution from the ninth Senate, urging the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant authorities to enhance the Ibadan Domestic Airport, Alakia, with modern facilities, transforming it into an international gateway. Senator Balogun Ademola (PDP-Oyo South), who sponsored the motion, emphasized the airport’s potential to foster economic growth locally and globally.
“Hosting an international airport in Ibadan will boost tourism and establish crucial communication links across the region,” Senator Ademola stated during the motion’s presentation. He highlighted that upgrading the airport would attract foreign investments and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s gross domestic product.
Supporting the motion, Senator Francis Fadahunsi highlighted that the airport, inaugurated in 1982, has not undergone substantial upgrades since its establishment. The unanimous approval by the Senate prompted Senate President Ahmad Lawan to refer the motion to the Senate Committee on Aviation for further legislative action.