An update and pictures of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State.The upgrade of the airport, which was flagged off on 18 September 2024, is set to transform it into a world-class facility capable of handling both domestic and international flights, with the ultimate goal of positioning Oyo State as a leading hub for trade, travel, and investment in Nigeria and across West Africa.
So far, the upgraded runway has been completed, a critical step towards reopening the airport for local flight operations. This achievement marks a turning point in the project, and local flights are expected to begin soon, in time to welcome dignitaries attending the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is scheduled to land at the airport on 26 September 2025. To this effect, the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, received its first aircraft, an advanced member of the presidential fleet, on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, marking its first landing since the facility was closed in March 2025.
The upgrade project was strategically designed and implemented in phases to ensure quality and efficiency. Among the major works already accomplished is the extension and widening of the runway, from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres and from 45 to 60 metres. This makes it capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft used in international travel. The airfield lighting system has also been upgraded to Category C standards, significantly improving visibility and safety during flight operations. Additionally, fire safety and emergency response capabilities have been enhanced to meet global aviation standards, and new facilities for Customs, Immigration, and other border agencies are being installed to enable seamless international operations.
The construction of a new international terminal building is progressing steadily and is projected to be completed by June 2026. Once completed, this terminal will expand passenger handling capacity from 100,000 to 1,000,000 annually, positioning Ibadan as a viable alternative to Lagos and Abuja for both passenger and cargo traffic.
The State Government has also delivered key supporting projects to maximise the airport’s potential. These include the dualisation of the 3.2 km Airport Road (now Victor Omololu Olunloyo Road), the installation of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing system concessioned to BOVAS and Company Limited, and the donation of a new fire truck to strengthen emergency preparedness.
The impact of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport upgrade extends far beyond aviation. It is central to Oyo State’s economic transformation strategy. On 28 August 2025, during a meeting with Mouvement des entreprises de France (MEDEF) in Paris, France’s largest employer federation representing over 750,000 member firms, Governor Seyi Makinde highlighted the airport project as a key part of the State’s plan to attract foreign investment. MEDEF expressed a strong interest in airport cargo operations and agro-logistics, particularly as they relate to the agribusiness industrial hub in Ijaiye and the proposed Rungis-style wholesale agrifood market. This interest underscores the airport’s potential to drive international trade, industrial development, and economic cooperation.
The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport upgrade also complements Oyo State’s pioneering efforts in trade facilitation. The Sub-National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, launched on 12 September 2025, is the first of its kind in Africa. It positions Oyo State to connect its farmers, manufacturers, and traders with continental markets, and the upgraded airport is a crucial enabler of that vision. By providing world-class infrastructure for passenger and cargo movement, it will bridge the gap between local production and regional demand, enabling businesses to scale beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Looking ahead, the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport will be more than just a transportation facility. It will serve as a gateway for trade, tourism, and investment, support industrial growth, and unlock new economic frontiers for Oyo State. Notably, the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage flight is expected to depart directly from Ibadan.
With each milestone achieved, Oyo State moves closer to realising its vision of becoming a modern economic hub. The progress at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport is about building the future of Oyo State’s economy and securing its place on the global map.
Below are images from the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State:
