Nigeria’s First Aerodrome Operational Permit Awarded to Ogun State’s Gateway Airport

OGUN STATE – In a landmark moment for Nigerian aviation, the Gateway International Airport in Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, has been granted the nation’s first-ever Aerodrome Operational Permit (AOP) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The certification, issued under the NCAA’s enhanced regulatory framework, designates the new facility as the first fully certified airport of its kind in Nigeria.

In a related development, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has successfully calibrated and approved the airport’s critical landing infrastructure. In a flight inspection conducted on Wednesday, the Instrument Landing System and Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) on Runway 23 were declared “totally satisfactory in all respects” and cleared for unrestricted use.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, hailed the twin achievements as a major validation of his administration’s economic vision. He stated that the airport is a pivotal project designed to position the state as a premier hub for commerce, investment, and global connectivity.

“This achievement is not just for Ogun State but for Nigeria as a whole. The Gateway International Airport is a symbol of progress and a new benchmark for aviation infrastructure,” Governor Abiodun said.

The certifications are expected to be a significant game-changer for the region’s economy. Officials anticipate the airport will enable safer, more reliable flight operations, provide direct international market access for local farmers, create new job opportunities, and help reduce congestion at other major airports in the Lagos area.

With these approvals, the Gateway International Airport is poised to set new standards for infrastructure, safety, and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s aviation sector.