Politics

Tinubu Approves Upgrade of Ibadan Airport to International Status

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 27th, 2024.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the Ibadan Domestic Airport, Alakia, to international status.

Makinde made this announcement on Wednesday at the Government House in Ibadan.

In a widely circulated video on social media, the governor stated, “The President has graciously approved my request for the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an International Airport.”

Earlier, The PUNCH reported that the ninth Senate had called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant authorities to upgrade the Ibadan Domestic Airport, Alakia, to an international airport.

This call followed a motion presented by Senator Kola Balogun (PDP-Oyo South) during a plenary session, titled “The need to upgrade the Airport with modern facilities.” The motion was co-sponsored by 37 senators.

Senator Ademola highlighted the necessity of modernizing the airport to harness Ibadan’s economic development potential both locally and internationally.

“An international airport in Ibadan would boost the tourism sector and provide vital communication links between various groups in the region. The upgrade will also attract foreign investments and significantly increase Nigeria’s gross domestic product,” he stated.

Senator Francis Fadahunsi supported the motion, noting that the airport, built in 1983, had not been upgraded since its inauguration.

The then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, referred the motion to the Senate Committee on Aviation for further legislative action after it received unanimous approval.

The Ibadan Airport was initially unveiled by former Senate President Joseph Wayas in June 1982.