Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has commissioned an aviation fuel depot at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, a development expected to improve flight operations, reduce airlines’ operating costs and attract more commercial services to the state.
Oyebanji inaugurated the facility on Monday following a partnership between the state government and Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the project would strengthen the airport’s capacity and improve air connectivity.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said his administration would continue to expand the airport’s infrastructure through public-private partnerships, describing private-sector investment as essential to the state’s economic growth.
He disclosed that work was progressing on the upgrade of the airport’s Instrument Landing System and the installation of Aerodrome Ground Lighting, which would enable round-the-clock flight operations when completed.
According to Oyebanji, the ground lighting project is expected to cost more than N10bn, while the ongoing work on the landing system is also part of efforts to improve the airport’s operational capacity.
“By the time we finish what we are doing with the airport by the end of the year, by God’s grace, we should be able to complete the upgrade of the ILS that has been certified,” he said.
He added, “What we are doing now is what they call in aviation Aerodrome Ground Lighting. That project is costing us more than N10bn. By the time we finish it, we should be able to have 24-hour operations at the airport, meaning aircraft can land at any time.”
The governor further revealed that the state was considering an Independent Power Project to guarantee a stable electricity supply and reduce the airport’s running costs.
Oyebanji said the government would continue to invest in infrastructure, security and alternative energy solutions to create a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investors.
He explained that his second-term agenda would focus on industrialisation, increased productivity and sustainable economic expansion, adding that infrastructure development over the past four years had laid the foundation for further investment.
According to him, the next phase would prioritise projects capable of expanding productive activities, generating employment and creating wealth for residents.
The governor also urged host communities to support businesses, stressing that investors were more likely to commit resources to locations where infrastructure and the business environment supported profitability.
“Investors are not emotional people. Capital will flow to where it is well treated and where the right environment will also support profitability,” he said.
Oyebanji commended Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited for investing in the state and assured the company and other prospective investors of continued government support.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Reeve Energy Limited, Efuru Nwakuche, said the project demonstrated the importance of cooperation between government and private businesses in developing infrastructure and stimulating economic growth.
Nwakuche thanked the governor, relevant government agencies and the Ekiti State Airport Management Company for their support in bringing the facility to completion.
She said the depot would strengthen aviation fuel services, support increased flight activity and contribute to the wider economic development of Ekiti State.
The company, she added, remained committed to maintaining high standards of safety, reliability and operational excellence.
Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, announced plans to increase the airline’s services at the airport to daily flights and commence cargo operations by January 2027.
Okonkwo said the new fuel depot would resolve logistical challenges that had previously affected the airline’s operations in Ekiti.
He explained that without a local refuelling facility, aircraft arriving at the airport had operated under fuel and weight restrictions, limiting the number of passengers they could carry.
The airline chief said access to aviation fuel at the airport would provide greater operational flexibility and support the planned introduction of daily flights, improving air travel options for residents.
He added that the planned activation of the airport’s cargo section by January 2027 would support agricultural exports and commercial logistics, with United Nigeria Airlines prepared to provide air cargo services.
