The Oyo State Government has declared that it is entirely responsible for the financing of the ongoing reconstruction and upgrade of the Ibadan airport, refuting assertions that the Federal Government provided funds for the project.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Special Adviser on Media to the Oyo State Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, clarified that the state is providing the full capital required to facilitate the improvements to the aviation facility. This follows recent claims made by a federal minister regarding the funding of the airport project, which the state government has formally disputed.
According to the state government, no funds from the Federal Government were allocated to the current reconstruction efforts. The clarification aims to set the record straight regarding the financial responsibilities and the level of state investment in the facility’s transformation.
Strategic importance of the Ibadan airport upgrade
The upgrade of the Ibadan airport is intended to enhance its capacity to handle increased commercial traffic and improve regional connectivity within the South-West geopolitical zone. For several years, the facility has been a subject of interest for stakeholders looking to decongest the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and provide a more accessible gateway for businesses operating in Oyo and neighbouring states.
By taking full financial ownership of the project, the Oyo State Government intends to accelerate the timeline for making the airport more commercially viable. The reconstruction involves upgrading the runway and terminal facilities to meet international safety and operational standards, which is essential for attracting more domestic and regional airlines.
The dispute over funding highlights the often-complex relationship between state governments and the federal authorities concerning critical infrastructure. While federal agencies often hold regulatory oversight of aviation assets, the direct execution and funding of such upgrades frequently fall to state governments seeking to drive local economic growth.
The ongoing works at the airport remain a priority for the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, as the state seeks to position Ibadan as a major logistics and transport hub. The completion of the project will depend on the continued availability of state resources and the successful meeting of technical requirements set by aviation regulators.
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