Ibadan airport: Ministry of Aviation to upgrade to international airport – Balogun.
By Ihegazie Hope Chidinma
Senator of Oyo South, Balogun Kola Ademola has on Tuesday urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant authorities to upgrade the Ibadan domestic airport to International airport.
Balogun stated this at the floor of Senate during the presentation of his motion that stressed the need to upgrade the Ibadan Airport to International Airport with modern facilities.
Balogun explained that to upgrade the Ibadan airport to International airport with modern facilities is very needful because of the potential of Ibadan to attract economic development both locally and internationally.
He also noted that the presence of International airport in Ibadan will complement the activities of the Ibadan inland dry port and accelerate the derivation of the expected socio-economic benefits from the inland dry port.
He stated that “the presence of an international airport in Ibadan will enhance efficient and effective movement of goods and people from Nigeria and across the world thereby reducing pressure on the road and infrastructure within Oyo and adjoining States thus save lives.
“the proximity of Ibadan airport to Murtala Mohammed International airport Ikeja which is about 145km, therefore with the International airport in Ibadan in place, it will be easier for already established investors in Lagos to expand their businesses and companies and as such add to the GPD of the country”.
Balogun recognized the fact that upgrading the Ibadan airport to international airport will attract foreign investments to the region, economic development to both Oyo state and other neighboring south western states and improve the quality of life and ultimately increase the gross domestic product of Nigeria.
He therefore refer the motion to the senate committee on aviation for a follow up and report to the senate within eight weeks.
