In this report, YOMI AYELESO takes a look at the state of Ekiti international cargo airport, more than one year after it was commissioned less than 24 hours to the expiration of the administration of former governor, Kayode Fayemi.
On October 15, 2022 the immediate past minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika, alongside the then governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, were present during the official test run of the 3.2-kilometre runway of the state airport with a military aircraft. Many residents of the state and indeed stakeholders were excited and optimistic considering the value the project was expected to add to the state’s economy.
Unfortunately, more than one year after the fun-filled event where residents rolled out the drums for the commissioning, there have been no flight operations in the airport. Contractor in charge is still busy with works on the terminal, control tower and other facilities in the airport, though at a slow pace, due to paucity of funds. It has been revealed further that the airport was not ready and completed as of the time of the commissioning.
According to the former governor, the airport project was put in place to serve as a catalyst for the socioeconomic development of the state. Regarded as one of the few states with huge agricultural potential, the state’s agric produce is expected to be transported from the cargo airport to the international market; this is expected to shore up the economy of the state, among other advantages.
Many residents and experts in the aviation sector argued that the processes leading to the construction of the airport were not effectively communicated to the public. This has raised questions about transparency. Prominent among such concerns raised by the stakeholders is the clear inconsistencies in the amount of money the project is expected to gulp. Many figures have been mentioned to be the contract sum for the airport and officials of government who are expected to set the records straight on the issue have failed to do so, maybe for political correctness.
The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) project manager, Simon Hu, had stated that his company was determined to deliver the project in record time for commercial flight operations to begin. He stated that all equipment needed for completion had been acquired and that the airport was being built with high specifications to compete with leading airports across the world.
When the Nigerian Tribune visited the site of the airport for an on-the-spot assessment of the level of work, it was observed that a blockage had been placed along the road leading to the airport, making it difficult for people, including journalists, to access the site.
Further investigations carried out by Nigerian Tribune showed that the government deliberately blocked access to the airport to prevent visits to the area by concerned citizens and members of the public who want to know the level of progress at the airport. With the series of controversies surrounding the airport, it was gathered that the present government is doing everything possible to stop further negative narratives as it relates with the project.
A credible source in the government told the Nigerian Tribune that only the state government could give approval for anyone to visit the site in order to avoid circumstances which might end up impacting the political affairs in the state. It was learnt that only political appointees and top government officials could visit the site of the airport.
He said, “You know how the airport was conceived and the issues surrounding the project after it was commissioned by the former governor.
“The truth is, there are some misgivings and reservations about the project which has made it expedient for the present government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji to be extremely careful so that it won’t lead to a deep crisis between the governor and his predecessor.
“So, to avoid this and other issues, the government thought it wise to be diplomatic with the project. Let me say that work is going on there, even though there are financial constraints.
“Unless you are a government official and political appointee, I doubt you can get to the airport because the road has been blocked.”
An aviation expert, Wole Shadare, who acknowledged the importance of airports to the growth and development of an economy, in a chat with Nigerian Tribune faulted the decision of the previous administration to embark on the project despite the financial and economic realities in the state.
Shadare argued that the recent trend by state governors to build airports might be one of those ways of mismanaging resources which should be channelled to other projects that would directly impact the lives of the citizens, especially at the grassroots.
According to him, “If you look at people criticising the Ekiti airport saying the state ought to have used the money for other developmental projects I agree with them because if you observe what is happening now, virtually every state is building airport. Some are viable, while some are not viable, depending on what the state wants to make out of it. Yes, you can say most of these airports are conduits for state governors to siphon money. If you say that you are very correct. But I think the Ekiti airport will serve so many purposes especially considering the institutions around that area including the iconic Afe Babalola University and the multi-system hospital
“Considering the security situation in the country, it has made it expedient for more people to fly even short distances. I believe if completed it (the airport) will bring more economic prosperity to Ekiti. But if you ask me is that what Ekiti people need now? My answer is no because you already have an airport in Akure that is not well utilised. Why can’t the Akure airport serve the joint purpose of Ondo and Ekiti people, knowing full well that Akure airport is less than two hours to Ado-Ekiti at most, considering the bad roads. As for me, it is a waste of resources; it is not desirable; it is not what the state needs urgently, so doing that is a misplacement of priority.
“However, with support from the legal icon, Afe Babalola, for the completion of the project, it might as well be a huge success in the coming months or years.”
Nigerian Tribune gathered that at the airport, aside from the runway and the meteorological garden which have been completed, other components such as the passenger terminal building, control tower and instrument landing system are yet to be completely fixed. This has made it difficult for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to give final approval and certification for commercial flight operations at the airport.
Elder statesman and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, who has been at the forefront of the state having a functional airport over the years, expressed readiness to support the state government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji towards the completion of the project. It was gathered that the legal icon has offered to make huge contributions across major components of the airport for flight operations to commence.
Addressing delegates and participants at the just concluded 64th National Council on Health conference in the state, Babalola recalled his efforts in the past for the state to have an airport, but lamented that former governor, Dr Fayemi, allegedly frustrated the move.
He said, “When Governor Segun Oni was at the saddle at Ekiti State, together with him, we went to the then President Goodluck Jonathan and impressed on him the need to have an airport in Ekiti State. He agreed with us. He then listed Ekiti State together with Gombe, Bayelsa and Delta states as four states that will have airports.
“As a matter of fact, the airports in Bayelsa, Gombe and Delta states are functional but the one earmarked for Ekiti State was frustrated by the then Governor Kayode Fayemi who publicly declared that an airport was not his priority.”
He, however, expressed delight that the present governor, Biodun Oyebanji is changing the narrative with his commitment. He promised to support the governor in actualising the goal of Ekiti State having an airport in a matter of months.
“But things are changing for the better. The present governor of Ekiti State, a gentleman in every sense of the word, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, is changing things for the better and I give kudos to him.
“With his efforts and the cooperation of this university, Ekiti State will have a functional airport in the next few months. And this will enable our doctors and other Nigerians to have access to our internationally reputed university and our well-equipped 400-bed ABUAD Multi System Hospital,” he said.
The newly appointed technical assistant to the governor on the airport, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Makinde (retd), when contacted said the project is ongoing but declined to make further comments about the airport.
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