Abiodun’s Strategic Triumph: Agro-Cargo International Airport Catapults Ogun into Economic Prosperity and Global Prominence

By: Tayo Mabeweje –

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is optimistic about the transformative impact of the Agro-Cargo International Airport, slated to commence operations before the year concludes. Emphasizing its imminent commercial success, Abiodun notes that the airport has attracted interest from various companies, signifying its potential as a game changer in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Key to the airport’s significance are its state-of-the-art facilities, including the country’s longest runway, the most extensive apron, and a cutting-edge control tower. Abiodun highlights the strategic advantage of the airport, which has prompted cargo companies to express a keen interest in relocating. The airport’s impressive 84,000 square meter apron, four to five times larger than any other cargo airport in Nigeria, has become a magnet for these companies looking to optimize their operations.

The governor envisions a substantial economic impact, with cargo companies planning to fly their goods directly to Ogun State’s airport. Once there, they intend to trans-ship these cargoes to various destinations in Nigeria and West Africa. This strategic positioning is expected to generate economic opportunities, job creation, and a cascading effect across the African continent.

Highlighting the airport’s importance in international trade, Abiodun reveals collaborations with key entities. The Nigeria Customs Service, having acquired 100 hectares of land at the airport, is actively constructing a village with over 700 housing units and warehouses. This foresighted move underscores the airport’s pivotal role in facilitating seamless customs operations and further solidifies its importance in the realm of international trade.

The governor also discloses engagements with the Nigerian Air Force for the establishment of an Air Force Base, reflecting the airport’s multifaceted utility. Additionally, negotiations are underway with entities interested in setting up flying schools and Fixed Base Operations (FBOs) for aircraft maintenance and services. These collaborations are poised to not only enhance the aviation ecosystem but also contribute to significant foreign exchange savings.

Concluding his assessment, Abiodun underscores that the deliberate construction of the airport to international standards, coupled with its location in the special Agro-Processing zone, positions Ogun State as the industrial capital of Nigeria. The airport, he contends, symbolizes more than a transportation hub; it is a gateway propelling Ogun State onto the global stage as a beacon of industrial prowess, ready to leave an indelible mark on the nation’s economic landscape.