Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has commissioned an aviation fuel depot at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, as United Nigeria Airlines announced plans to introduce daily flights and commence cargo operations at the facility by January 2027.
The fuel depot, established through a partnership between the state government and Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited, is expected to facilitate aircraft refuelling, reduce airline operating costs and improve commercial flight operations.
Speaking at the commissioning on Monday, Oyebanji said his administration was committed to expanding the airport’s operational capacity through strategic public-private partnerships.
He disclosed that work was at an advanced stage to upgrade the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and install Aerodrome Ground Lighting at a cost of over N10 billion, with the aim of enabling round-the-clock flight operations.
The governor also revealed plans to establish an Independent Power Project (IPP) to ensure reliable electricity supply and reduce the airport’s operating costs.
Oyebanji said his administration’s second term would prioritise industrialisation, investment attraction and sustainable economic growth, urging communities to support investors and provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
“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.
The governor commended Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited for investing in the state and assured the company and other investors of continued government support.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Reeve Energy Limited, Ms Efuru Nwakuche, described the project as a demonstration of the importance of public-private partnerships in driving infrastructure development and economic growth. She expressed appreciation to the state government and the Ekiti State Airport Management Company for their support, pledging the company’s commitment to safety, quality and operational excellence.
Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, announced plans to scale up the airline’s operations at the airport to daily flights and activate its cargo section by January 2027.
Okonkwo said the absence of a local aviation fuel facility had previously created logistical challenges for the airline, forcing it to operate under fuel and weight restrictions that limited passenger capacity on flights to Ekiti.
He said the new facility would address the challenge, improve flight efficiency and strengthen connectivity to the state.
The planned cargo operations are expected to support agricultural exports and commercial logistics, with United Nigeria Airlines positioning itself to transport goods from the airport.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habitat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, among others.