NCAA issues first-ever Aerodrome Operational permit to Ogun’s Gateway International Airport
By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued the country’s first-ever Aerodrome Operational Permit (AOP) to the Gateway International Airport, Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State. The approval marks a historic milestone as the airport becomes the first in Nigeria to attain this certification under the NCAA’s enhanced regulatory framework.
The development was announced on Thursday in a statement signed by Tayo Mabeweje, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun. According to him, the certification further validates the world-class standards of the Gateway International Airport and its readiness for safe and reliable operations.
Mabeweje explained that the Instrument Landing System/Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) installed on Runway 23 of the airport had been declared “totally satisfactory in all respects” by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The agency cleared the facility for unrestricted use after conducting a successful flight inspection on September 4, 2025.
Reacting to the development, Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, described the milestone as a validation of his administration’s vision to transform Ogun into a hub for commerce, investment, and global connectivity. He emphasized that the certification not only elevates Ogun State but also represents a breakthrough for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“The Gateway International Airport is a symbol of progress and a new benchmark for aviation infrastructure. This achievement is not just for Ogun State but for the entire nation,” the governor stated, highlighting the far-reaching benefits of the project.
With the NCAA’s approval, the Gateway International Airport is set to redefine aviation in Nigeria by ensuring safer operations, enhancing international market access for farmers, creating job opportunities for youths, and reducing congestion at Lagos airports. Ogun State, through this feat, has firmly positioned itself as a leader in aviation development, setting new standards in infrastructure, safety, and global competitiveness.
