By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The Ogun State Government has stepped up efforts to begin international passenger operations at the Gateway International Airport, with plans to commence with Hajj flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The move, according to the government, forms part of a broader strategy to expand the state’s aviation infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in Ogun State and the wider South-West region of Nigeria.

To achieve this, the state government said it has begun a series of high-level consultations with key federal agencies whose statutory roles are essential to the commencement of international operations, including Hajj and cargo flights from the airport.

Officials disclosed that the discussions are centred on ensuring that the airport meets all necessary regulatory and operational standards ahead of its planned international debut.

Key areas being addressed include security architecture, deployment of specialised personnel, passenger processing systems, and full regulatory compliance under the supervision of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun has directed the Consultant on Aviation Matters and Accountable Manager of Gateway International Airport, Captain Dapo Olumide, to spearhead engagements with the relevant federal agencies to fast-track the process.

In line with this directive, Olumide has held meetings with leadership teams of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), whose delegation was led by Assistant Comptroller-General B. Mohammed.

The meetings were aimed at ensuring the timely deployment of the required operational infrastructure and personnel needed for international passenger processing and cargo services at the airport.