Finally, intending passengers can now take flights to their desired destinations at the Gateway International Airport (GIA). The official inauguration of commercial flights at the Airport located in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, took place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, amid public excitement.

For Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose vision and commitment culminated in the epoch-making event, this is a dream come true. As rightly pointed out in his keynote address, the journey that began in 2021 has been dogged by skepticism and negative commentaries. Despite the odds, the administration remained focused on its vision to provide a well-modeled multi-modal transport system for the State.

Thus, Tuesday’s event marked the final round out of the tortuous journey. Contrary to the persistent negative mindset and expectation of failure by pessimists, the airport recorded its first historic commercial flight on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s sustained effort to achieve industrial and economic growth.

Beyond the celebration of this great achievement, there is an important lesson for pessimists to learn. If you have a vision, don’t allow pessimism to derail your dream. Pessimism is a killer of dreams. A pessimistic attitude stifles aspiration and prevents success. While toiling day and night to actualise this lofty dream, cynics didn’t spare the Governor any negative words. They said the initiative was unrealistic, unsustainable, selfish, unreasonable, and so on.

Against all odds, the maiden test flight took place on February 23, 2023 with a nod of approval by the regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), signifying its readiness for full operations. The event was graced by an erstwhile Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the then Minister of Aviation, and other top government officials.

Finally, Tuesday’s historic event marked the formal beginning of full commercial flight operations at the airport, positioning it as an integral part of Ogun State’s multi-modal transportation master plan and a potential hub for cargo and agro-allied exports. It signifies a key step for the airport’s full certification and licensing by aviation regulatory bodies.

Nothing can stop a man with a clear vision.

Speaking against the background of cynical commentaries deliberately made to discourage the completion of the project,  Governor Abiodun recounted:

“We came here in 2021; some people said it was just a photoshop, they said it was just politics, they mocked us, and they said this place is nothing but a dumpsite. Some even said that we were going to use this place as a cattle ranch.

“Some others had this airport built on a PowerPoint, but again, we are here today, and we have seen what can be achieved when there is vision, when there is collective vision, inclusive vision, inclusive participation, and when there is passion and diligence.

“We began to construct in late 2021; in February 2023, this same “Valuejet” was the first plane to land on this runway; it was a test flight of our runway. Building an airport is one thing; having an airport become operational is a totally different thing because it is a very highly regulated industry.”

The Governor stressed the unwavering commitment of the administration to infrastructure, making Ogun State the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria.

The Cargo Airport is the legacy project of the administration. “It ticks the box of our multi-modal transport master plan where we connect roads to rail to air, and soon, we will be connected to the sea,” Abiodun added.

This is not just another airport. It’s a benchmark Airport. A game changer.  Among other distinguishing features, its state-of-the-art facilities have been judged to be world-class and a source of pride for Ogun State. While construction was going on, a combined team of regulatory authorities, including the NCAA, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had, in December last year, visited the airport, hailing the quality of facilities put in place as one of the best in West Africa.

They unanimously concluded that the infrastructure at the airport, including the Control Tower, Weather Monitoring Areas, Runway, Fire Service Stations, and the Apron, could rival any of their type around the world.

Apart from that, the airport has a 4-kilometre (4,000-metre) long and 60-metre-wide runway, which is one of the longest and widest in West Africa. This design allows it to accommodate wide-body and ultra-long-haul aircraft, including a Boeing 777 and even an Airbus A380.

Additionally, the runway is equipped with a sophisticated and solar-powered lighting system, including Category I approach lighting, elevated runway end lights, and Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI). It also has a Doppler VOR/DME navigation system, which is considered more precise than those at many other airports in Nigeria.

Strategically located near the nation’s commercial nerve centre, the airport will serve as a designated alternate airport to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in, Ikeja, Lagos, helping to ease congestion and provide a diversion point for Lagos-bound flights.

The commencement of full commercial flights will significantly boost trade, investment, and tourism in Ogun State and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification by facilitating the export of agricultural produce.

It is strategically positioned to serve as a logistics hub for the entire Southwestern region and is a designated alternative to the congested Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. This ensures a steady flow of both cargo and passenger traffic. The long runway, capable of accommodating large ultra-long-haul aircraft, gives it a unique competitive advantage for international freight.

Its economic multiplier effect is immeasurable. Beyond direct financial returns, the project is expected to generate a massive economic multiplier effect. The creation of over 25,000 jobs, the attraction of new industries, and the boosting of agricultural exports will lead to increased tax receipts and a more robust state economy. This indirect but substantial return on investment is a key part of the government’s long-term vision.

While the project’s initial cost has been reportedly put at $800 million, the prospects for a positive Return of Investment (ROI) are strong. The government’s strategic approach of leveraging a public-private partnership, combined with the airport’s diverse revenue streams and strategic location, positions the airport for long-term financial viability and economic success.

Due to deliberate policy of the government focusing on developing a Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) around the airport, the airport will attract companies to process and package agricultural products for export, adding value and creating jobs.

The development of an aerotropolis (an airport city) around the facility will also attract investment in real estate, hospitality, retail, and commercial services, creating a wide range of opportunities.

The major strength that supports its sustainability is the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model. It shifts the operational and financial risks to a private entity that has the expertise to manage a commercial enterprise, giving it high prospects for a return on investment (ROI).  While the initial capital expenditure is substantial, the long-term vision and projected revenue streams suggest a positive financial outlook.

Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor on Media.