Federal Gov’t To Shut Down Ibadan Airport For Repairs
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, will be shut down for six months for necessary maintenance and upgrade works.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, made the announcement on Friday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that the airport shutdown would begin in early March.
This announcement comes just eight months after the Oyo State government received approval from President Bola Tinubu to upgrade the airport to international status.
Achimugu’s tweet read: “Subject to new information, Ibadan airport may be shut down for six months for maintenance/upgrade, starting from early March.”
In June 2024, President Tinubu approved the upgrade of the Ibadan Domestic Airport, located in Alakia, to an international airport. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, shared the news in Ibadan, explaining that the upgrade would include the expansion and extension of the runway as well as a comprehensive upgrade of the airport facilities. Once completed, the airport will be able to accommodate international flights, linking Ibadan to global destinations.
Additionally, Governor Makinde announced in January 2025 that a new international terminal would be constructed as part of the ongoing efforts to meet international standards. The first phase of the project officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony on September 18, 2024.
