Updated: Makinde Obtains FG’s Approval To Make Ibadan Airport International

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has successfully sustained an approval from the federal government to transform Ibadan airport into an international airport.

According to reports, the development is aimed at enhancing the airport’s capacity to handle international flights, boost economic growth and improve connectivity for the region.

Makinde disclosed this on Wednesday at the Government House in Ibadan.

The governor was captured in a viral video on social media saying, “The President has graciously approved my request for the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an international airport.”

The ninth Senate had urged the Ministry of Aviation and other relevant authorities to upgrade the Ibadan Domestic Airport, Alakia, to the status of an international airport.

The resolutions followed the presentation of a motion sponsored by Senator Kola Balogun (PDP-Oyo South) during plenary on “The need to upgrade the airport with modern facilities.”

The motion was co-sponsored by 37 senators.

Balogun moved the motion, saying that the airport needed to be upgraded with modern facilities because of Ibadan’s potential to attract economic development both locally and internationally.

“Hosting an international airport in Ibadan will propel the tourist sector and provide a communication link which is vital between different groups of people involved within the region.

“The upgrade will also attract foreign investments to the region and ultimately increase the gross domestic product of Nigeria,” he said.