Ministry of Transportation

The Ministry’s vision is to provide an intermodal transport system which is efficient, qualitative, safe, affordable and satisfactory for the socio-economic development of the State.

The Ministry’s mission is to ensure affordable and efficient movement of people and goods through a well-articulated transport policy, transport infrastructure, efficient road traffic management and enforcement of road traffic regulations as well as the supervision of the State’s air transport management.

• Safety
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Credibility

The main objective of the Ministry is to address the various challenges confronting transport sector in the State with a view to proffering solutions to them.

Others are:

1. Proffering solutions to identifiable problems/challenges confronting transport sector in the state
2. To reduce congestion on our roads and enhance smooth transit
3. To put in place measures/programmes to reduce crashes and prevent injuries and deaths on our major roads
4. To facilitate and supervise the performance of the Ekiti Airport Facility Management Consultant in liaison/cooperation with any other state agency established for the purpose.

1. Creating effective transportation policies in the state;
2. Formulation of all relevant laws and regulations guiding transportation;
3. To serve as intermediary between the State Government and all Road Transport Unions in the State
4. To ensure maximum compliance with all relevant transportation regulations and laws;
5. To manage and control all activities of all road transport unions in the State;
6. Provision of road infrastructure and furniture appropriate for transportation and traffic management control;
7. Provision of personnel, administration and supervisory services to the Ekiti State Airport Project office.

1. Creating effective transportation policies in the state;
2. Formulation of all relevant laws and regulations guiding transportation;
3. To serve as intermediary between the State Government and all road transport unions in the State
4. To ensure maximum compliance with all relevant transportation regulations and laws;
5. To manage and control all activities ofall road transport unions in the State;
6. Provision of road infrastructure and furniture appropriate for transportation and traffic management control.

The Ministry has the following Agencies/Departments/Units:

• Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency
• Airport Project Office
• Vehicle Inspection Service
• Administration and Supplies Department
• Finance and Accounts Department
• Public Transport Department
• Planning, Research and Statistics Department
• Audit Unit
• Procurement Unit
• Stores
• Press Section

1. AIRPORT PROJECT

The Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport stands as a groundbreaking infrastructure project, strategically designed to unlock new economic opportunities in agribusiness, trade and logistics.  It is an initiative aims to bridge the gap between local agricultural productions and global markets, positioning Ekiti State as a hub for agribusiness and international commerce.  With its completion, the airport is set to revolutionize agro-processing, trade and infrastructural development across the region.  The airport, which occupies about 4,000 hectares of land, is located along Ado-Ijan Road, Ado-Ekiti not far from Afe Babalola University and the Federal Polytechnic in the capital city. It is designed to serve both cargo and passenger operations making it a dual-purpose facility.

 Genesis and Development

The Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport was first conceptualized in 2010 under the administration of Engr. Segun Oni when Ekiti State Government engaged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with the intent of constructing an airport.  However, due to bureaucratic and funding challenges, the project was stalled.  The vision was later revived under the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi who incorporated the airport into his strategic development plan, recognizing its potential to drive economic diversification and agro-processing growth in Ekiti State.  With this ambition, the airport project was included in the State budget in 2017 and construction officially began on October 18, 2019.

Between 2022 and 2025, under the visionary leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the airport has undergone series of transformative upgrades, aligning its infrastructure with global aviation standards to enhance operational efficiency, safety and reinforcing its position as a strategic gateway for commerce and global connectivity.

Project Outlay

The Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is a transformative infrastructure project designed to facilitate agricultural exports, enhance aviation connectivity and stimulate economic growth in Ekiti State.

Its development was done in phases beginning with planning and feasibility studies conducted to assess the viability and economic impact, construction phase, and operational readiness.  The airport commenced full commercial operations in December, 2025 following successful test flights and infrastructure assessments, carried out by relevant aviation regulatory agencies.

Features

The airport features include:

1. a 3.2 km runway capable of handling various types of aircraft and one of the longest runways in Nigeria. This runway can accommodate large aircraft such as Boeing 737-400 and Airbus A310-800.
2. It has a terminal building that houses the arrival and departure hall where the Baggage Handling System (BHS)/conveyor belt is situated.
3. A Control Tower Cabin which plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations.
4. An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) which is a centralized facility that coordinates responses to emergencies and crises and disruption affecting airport.
5. Meteorological building/station also known as weather station that houses instruments and equipment for collecting and analysing weather data
6. Fire station that provides firefighting and rescue services to the airport and its surroundings areas.
7. Apron Capacity designed to accommodate large cargo planes
8. Cargo shed which is a storage facility for farm produce and cash crops
9. Police Station
10. External and Internal perimeter fence
11. Runway Strip
12. Pump House
13. Parallel Taxiway
14. Car Parks (General & VIP)
15. VOR/DME (Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range/ distance Measurement Equipment)
16. Bird Repeller and Laser Beam Canon
17. Instrument Landing System (ILS)
18. Aviation Quarters

Justifications

            The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport will create job opportunities in several sectors including aviation and tourism. It will also enhance economic growth in the State by facilitating trade and commerce such as agricultural exports and supporting educational and health institutions. Establishment of the airport will generate revenue for local

and national economies through payment of necessary fees at the airport. The airport project represents a major step forward for Ekiti State positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s transportation and trade sectors.

External Relations

The Ekiti State Government have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with relevant aviation agencies such as Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) which have led to the deployment of their officers to the airport for the provision of Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Security services and Meteorological services which are critical for flight operations.

The airport has attracted attention from Federal Authorities with the Minister of Aviation inspecting the airport in January, 2025. The Federal Government has pledged support for partnership aimed at boosting casava production and processing. Additionally, studies indicate that a significant percentage of passengers traveling via Akure Airport have Ekiti as their final destination, further validating the airport’s strategic importance.

In December, 2024, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approved six (6) months non-scheduled flight operations for the airport to allow Ekiti State Government rectify the outstanding Corrective Action items indicated in the last inspection report.

On 10^th December, 2025 the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approved scheduled commercial flight operations for the airport. The active carrier was United Nigeria Airlines with operations connecting Ado-Ekiti to domestic hubs like Lagos and Abuja using regional aircraft.

Partners

To ensure long term viability of the airport, Ekiti State Government has entered into a public-private partnership with agro-business stakeholders and aviation experts. Notable collaborations include: cassava value chain development- partnership initiatives to process cassava into starch, ethanol, chips and sorbitol for both domestic and international markets.

The State Government has officially appointed Messrs. AAC Management Limited as the Facility Manager for the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti. The Facility Manager will ensure the smooth operation and effective management of the airport facilities and to ensure the airport’s sustainability and global best practices.

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) have also explored utilizing the airport for students travel- to improve accessibility for the university and its students, demonstrating its potential for passenger services.

Expected Socio-Economic Impacts

The airport, as described by the Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji will be a major hub for economic growth for the State by attracting investors and creating a business-friendly environment in Ekiti State.

The airport will significantly boost agricultural exports, providing farmers with direct access to international markets, eliminating reliance on intermediaries and maximizing profitability. The airport will generate employment opportunities in aviation, logistics and agribusiness, fostering local economic participation.

The airport is poised to become a strategic revenue driver, unlocking new streams of income for the State through commercial aviation services, agricultural exports and trade facilitation. It will significantly boost economic activity and elevate the State’s internally generated revenue.

The airport is designed to serve dual purposes, handling agro-allied products and commercial passenger operations. The airport is designed to boost the state’s economy by facilitating the import and export of goods, particularly agricultural products, supporting educational and health institutions and promoting tourism. It will also improve the internally generated revenue of the state and be used to support pilgrimage operations- Christian and Hajj pilgrimage.