Ekiti Govt to Install N4.6 Billion Instrument Landing System for 24-Hour Operations at Ado Airport
Ado-Ekiti, April 1, 2025 – The Ekiti State Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to install a N4.6 billion Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti, aiming to enable 24-hour flight operations by the end of 2025. Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced the initiative during his monthly media chat, “Meet Your Governor,” on Monday night, emphasizing the move as a cornerstone of his administration’s strategy to transform the airport into a major economic hub in Southwest Nigeria.
A Leap Toward Round-the-Clock Flights
The ILS, a precision navigation aid, will allow aircraft to land safely during night hours and in adverse weather conditions, positioning Ado Airport as the second in the Southwest—after Lagos—to boast such capability. “To make it an airport of choice, we must guarantee 24-hour landing,” Oyebanji stated, highlighting the system’s role in enhancing safety and competitiveness. The N4.6 billion price tag reflects current market costs, with the governor pledging completion before year-end, a timeline that has sparked both excitement and skepticism given the project’s history.
The airport, inaugurated in October 2022 by former Governor Kayode Fayemi, has faced delays in achieving full commercial status despite its N20 billion initial investment. Approved for non-scheduled flights by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in December 2024, it has yet to host regular commercial operations, relying instead on sporadic landings like the NAMA calibration flight in January. The ILS installation, coupled with ongoing talks with three major airlines, signals a push to unlock its potential as a cargo and passenger hub.
Economic Vision and Infrastructure Boost
Oyebanji framed the upgrade as a catalyst for Ekiti’s economy, which has seen internally generated revenue (IGR) soar from N600 million to over N2 billion monthly under his tenure. “The airport will drive investment, tourism, and the export of farm produce,” he said, noting its strategic alignment with the state’s agro-allied focus. A cargo shed is already under construction—facilitated by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s budget advocacy—while negotiations with a vendor for a maintenance hangar are underway, aiming to create a comprehensive aviation ecosystem.
The governor’s vision extends beyond Ado-Ekiti, with development projects touching rural areas to counter claims of urban bias. “We’re not just building an airport; we’re opening Ekiti to the world,” he told reporters, citing the state’s 3.2km runway—among Nigeria’s longest—as a draw for large aircraft. Senator Bamidele, who flew into the airport in February, praised its “state-of-the-art” facilities, calling it a game-changer for regional connectivity.
Challenges and Criticism
The N4.6 billion commitment comes amid scrutiny of the airport’s slow progress. Critics, including local farmers still awaiting N429 million in compensation for land acquired over a decade ago, have labeled it a “white elephant.” A 2024 SolaceBase report noted that, a year after its unveiling, the airport had hosted only one military landing, with unfinished facilities like the air traffic control tower hampering operations. Residents like Samuel Adekunle, a printer in Ado-Ekiti, have questioned its value, arguing, “It’s a waste of scarce resources without tangible benefits.”
Recent contracts worth N4.2 billion awarded in February—including the ILS deal controversially given to a “permanent secretary” rather than a firm—have fueled transparency concerns, as reported by Sahara Reporters. The state’s total airport spending since 2019 now nears N89.9 billion, prompting calls for audits from civil society groups. Ekiti’s Information Commissioner, Taiwo Olatunbosun, defended the direct procurement as lawful and urgent, but the opacity has left some unconvinced.
A Race Against Time
With the NCAA’s six-month non-scheduled flight permit expiring in June, the pressure is on to operationalize the airport fully. The ILS installation, alongside certifications from aviation agencies, is a critical step, but experts warn that timelines and funding must align. “It’s a bold move, but execution is everything,” said Ikechi Uko, chairman of FAAN’s Aviacargo Committee, suggesting the airport leverage nearby ABUAD’s farm and industrial park for cargo viability.
For now, Ekiti’s residents and stakeholders watch closely. If successful, the ILS could elevate Ado Airport into a regional powerhouse, boosting trade and travel. If not, it risks joining the ranks of Nigeria’s dormant state-owned airports—a costly cautionary tale. As Oyebanji presses forward, the N4.6 billion bet is a high-stakes wager on Ekiti’s skyward ambitions.
