Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has commenced the second phase of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport upgrade with the foundation-laying of a new international terminal.
This marks another step toward transforming the Ibadan-based airport into a world-class facility, following the first phase, which focused on runway expansion, lighting upgrades, and fire safety enhancements.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the project aligns with Makinde’s vision to improve connectivity for Oyo and neighboring states.
A Giant Leap for Ibadan’s Aviation Sector
Speaking at the ceremony, Abimbola Adekanbi, Chairman of the Airport Upgrade Committee, highlighted that the runway has already been extended to 3,000 meters, meeting international standards for larger aircraft.
He revealed that the new state-of-the-art terminal—to be built by Craneburg Construction Company Limited—will handle one million passengers annually, a massive leap from the current 100,000 capacity. The project is set for completion by early 2026.
“This upgrade will not only improve passenger movement but also enhance cargo handling, positioning the airport as a major aviation hub in Nigeria,” Adekanbi stated.
Representatives from various airlines and industry stakeholders attended the event, signaling strong support for Ibadan’s rise as an international travel gateway.