Ahead of the reopening of the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, the Oyo State Government has donated four operational vehicles to enhance the efficiency and safety of airport operations.

The Chairman of the Airport Upgrade Committee, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, presented the vehicles to the airport management on Friday on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Adekanmbi said the donation underscores the state government’s commitment to ensuring that the airport meets international operational standards, noting that Oyo State could not depend solely on the Federal Government or the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to provide all required facilities.

“This is a donation from the governor on behalf of the Government of Oyo State. As you are aware, we are upgrading the airport, and for it to be fully operational, many facilities are required. We cannot wait for the Federal Government to provide everything, so the governor decided to donate these vehicles,” he said.

According to him, the four vehicles were allocated to key operational agencies within the airport — the Aviation Security Department of FAAN, the Nigerian Police Force (Airport Command), the Airport Operations Department, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

“These are carefully selected agencies, each responsible for critical aspects of airport operations. The vehicles will be used strictly for their designated purposes to enhance the functionality of the upgraded airport,” Adekanmbi added.

He emphasised that the donation reflects the Makinde administration’s determination to make the Ibadan Airport a model international facility.

He recalled that even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently landed there in a wide-bodied A330 aircraft during the coronation of the new Olubadan, underscoring the airport’s growing capacity.

Adekanmbi revealed that the airport’s runway has been fully completed and is ready for local flight operations, while the international terminal is about 35 per cent completed and expected to be delivered by September 2026.

“The runway is ready, and local flights will resume very soon. The international terminal is progressing steadily and will be completed by 2026. These vehicles will ensure there are no operational gaps as we transition into full operations,” he said.

He added that since the Oyo State Government is leading the upgrade, it will also take responsibility for maintaining the donated vehicles to ensure sustained efficiency.

Responding, the Airport Manager, Mr. Oluwagbenga Afuwape, who represented the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.

Similarly, the Airport Manager of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Famosinpe Gbenga, commended the state government for the donation, noting that the vehicles would significantly enhance operational effectiveness and preparedness at the facility.