The Gateway International Airport in Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first airport in Nigeria to secure an Aerodrome Operational Permit (AOP) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The certification, granted under the NCAA’s enhanced regulatory framework, positions the newly constructed airport as a trailblazer in compliance and operational standards within the country’s aviation industry.
In a related development, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has declared the Instrument Landing System/Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) installed on Runway 23 of the airport as “totally satisfactory in all respects.” The clearance, which followed a successful flight inspection on September 4, authorizes the unrestricted use of the navigation system, boosting the airport’s readiness for safe and efficient flight operations.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, described the dual approvals as a major endorsement of his administration’s vision to establish Ogun State as a hub for commerce, industry, and global connectivity.
“This achievement is not just for Ogun State but for Nigeria as a whole. The Gateway International Airport is a symbol of progress and a new benchmark for aviation infrastructure,” Governor Abiodun said.
Aviation experts say the certifications will significantly strengthen the airport’s role as a catalyst for regional and national development. The facility is expected to ease congestion at Lagos airports, create direct international market access for farmers, and open up job opportunities for young people across the state.
The Gateway International Airport, which was commissioned earlier this year, is part of a broader infrastructure agenda aimed at positioning Ogun as an economic powerhouse. With the NCAA and NAMA clearances, the airport is now fully set to commence expanded commercial operations and international flights.
Observers describe the development as a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation sector, with the Gateway International Airport now seen as a model for future airport projects across the country.
