By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Government has declared the Gateway International Airport as a model of modern aviation technology in Nigeria. Located in the Ilishan/Iperu axis of the state, the airport is equipped with advanced facilities designed to meet global standards and ensure long-term sustainability.
Speaking during a guided tour for journalists on a three-day training visit to the state, the Managing Director of the airport, Captain Dapo Olumide, highlighted the technological edge of the facility. He emphasized that as an international airport, it must align with the latest trends in aviation.
“Everything electronic in this airport is state-of-the-art,” Olumide said. “It’s not about having unlimited funds; it’s about investing in technology that reduces costs over time. For instance, from our Control Tower, radar systems can detect aircraft movements as far as Accra, Yaoundé, and Douala—even though the main control is in Lagos, the visibility is accessible here.”
Olumide added that while the airport’s physical construction has been completed, work is ongoing on essential installations, including the landing system, ramp lighting, and a 2-megawatt gas-powered plant. He assured that relevant federal agencies, including Nigerian Customs, NDLEA, and the Police, will be stationed at the airport to facilitate international operations.
Providing historical context, Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo noted that the project was strategically conceived to leverage Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos and to boost the state’s industrial growth.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya highlighted the airport’s strategic location and adherence to international standards. “The runway stretches four kilometers, making it the longest in the country and capable of accommodating aircraft like the Boeing 777, 747, and Airbus A330,” he said.
He further revealed that the apron area spans 82,000 square meters and can host up to 20 aircraft simultaneously. Akinsanya assured that only the highest quality materials and technologies were used in the airport’s construction.
Commercial flight operations are expected to commence once all regulatory approvals are secured.