- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the commencement of flight operations at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
This was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti.
Accordding to Oyebode, the NCAA, in a letter addressed to the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji on the 3rd of October, approved scheduled flights for an initial period of six months.
He quoted NCAA’s Director for Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, as saying the approval was subject to the implementation of VFR or daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations.
“The interim approval is to enable Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport to implement outstanding gaps and commence the certification process.
“This will allow for issuance of Aerodrome Operational Permit with three years validity in accordance with the NCAA regulations,” he said.
The governor was also quoted to have hailed the development as a major boost to the economic development of the state.
Oyebanji said that the commencement of commercial operations at the airport would boost agribusiness, tourism development, commercial activities, and medical tourism.
According to the governor, this will further position the state as a destination of choice for people looking for where to live, work, invest and relax.
The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for socioeconomic development at the national and subnational levels.
He also thanked his immediate predecessor in office, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who laid the foundation of the airport project in 2019.
The governor lauded Afe Babalola (SAN), Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) for his remarkable contributions to the airport project as well as members of the airport committee.