Oyebanji Inaugurates Ekiti Airport Fuel Depot As UNA Plans Daily Flights, Cargo Operations
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated an aviation fuel depot at the state’s Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti, a development expected to boost flight operations, improve airline efficiency and strengthen the airport’s commercial potential.
The facility, established through a partnership between the state government and Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited, is designed to provide convenient aircraft refuelling services, reduce operational costs for airlines and attract increased aviation activities to the state.
Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, Oyebanji said the government was committed to expanding the airport’s operational capacity through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and investments in critical infrastructure.
He disclosed that work was at an advanced stage on the upgrade of the airport’s Instrument Landing System (ILS) and the installation of Aerodrome Ground Lighting to facilitate round-the-clock flight operations.
According to the governor, the ground lighting project is expected to cost more than N10 billion, adding that its completion would enable aircraft to land at the airport at any time of the day and make the facility more attractive to investors and airlines.
Oyebanji also revealed that the government was pursuing an Independent Power Project (IPP) to guarantee a reliable electricity supply for the airport and reduce its operating expenses.
He said the initiatives formed part of his administration’s broader strategy to strengthen infrastructure, improve security, promote alternative energy solutions and position Ekiti as an attractive destination for investment.
The governor called on communities across the state to support investors and provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, stressing that community cooperation was essential to achieving sustainable industrialisation.
He explained that while the government had invested significantly in infrastructure over the past four years, the next phase of development would focus on attracting investments capable of expanding the state’s productive capacity, generating wealth and creating employment opportunities.
According to him, investment decisions are driven largely by the availability of supporting infrastructure, a conducive business environment and the prospect of profitability.
“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.
Oyebanji commended Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited for investing in the state and assured the company and other investors of the government’s continued support.
The Chief Executive Officer of Reeve Energy Limited, Efuru Nwakuche, described the inauguration as evidence of the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in promoting economic growth and infrastructure development.
Nwakuche praised the governor, relevant government authorities and the Ekiti State Airport Management Company for their support in bringing the project to fruition.
She said the fuel depot would strengthen aviation energy services, support the anticipated growth in flight operations and contribute to the state’s wider economic development.
She also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, reliability and operational excellence in supporting Nigeria’s aviation and energy sectors.
Meanwhile, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, announced plans to increase the airline’s operations at the airport to daily flights and commence dedicated cargo services by January.
Okonkwo said the absence of a local aviation fuel facility had previously created logistical challenges for the airline, forcing aircraft arriving in Ekiti to operate under strict fuel and weight restrictions.
He explained that the limitations affected passenger capacity because aircraft had to carry sufficient fuel for their subsequent journeys without refuelling locally.
However, he said the inauguration of the depot would address the challenge and improve the airline’s operational efficiency at the airport.
The airline chief added that United Nigeria Airlines would soon introduce daily flights to and from Ekiti, providing residents and businesses with more consistent air connectivity.
He further disclosed that the airline planned to activate the airport’s cargo section by January, positioning it to support agricultural exports and commercial logistics.
According to him, the airline is prepared to play a leading role in transporting commercial cargo from the facility, potentially creating new opportunities for farmers, exporters and other businesses in the state.
The development is expected to strengthen the airport’s role in connecting Ekiti’s agricultural sector to wider domestic and international markets, while supporting the state government’s industrialisation and investment drive.
Other dignitaries at the inauguration included the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Habitat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Folakemi Olomojobi; and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, among others.
