Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, in Ogun State on Saturday, said that the recently obtained commercial flight certification by Gateway International Airport, authorised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), would revolutionise the transportation system in the state.

Dairo, who stated this while fielding questions from newcomers at his office in the Government Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital, emphasised that the airport was a game-changer in the state’s transportation system.

He, however, attributed the achievement to the Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s efforts towards socio-economic development and the industrialisation drive in the state.

The commissioner said, “The journey began some three to four years ago with the construction, and now, all the major infrastructures required for a functional airport have been in place for the past few months.”

We have the longest runway, independent backup power facilities of very high bandwidth for uninterrupted runway lighting, control tower operations, rescue and firefighting equipment are also available, the terminal building, the Doppler VOR which is more precise and accurate, cargo warehouse has been installed, and all other necessary equipment for both domestic and international flights,” he noted.

Dairo emphasised the strict requirements for obtaining the operating permit, noting that the NCAA has raised standards for airport certifications and given an ultimatum of two to three years for all airports to meet the current standards for certification.

He expressed pride in the value of the State’s Aerodrome operating permit as the first of its kind in Nigeria, revealing that the next phase would involve the commencement of full operations for both passengers and cargoes.

The commissioner anticipated that the GIA would launch residents into a new transport experience, offering convenient and efficient air travel services.