First Commercial Flight Takes Off At Gateway Airport In Iperu

Historic First Commercial Flight Takes Off at Gateway International Airport, Iperu

In a landmark moment for Ogun State and Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo witnessed its first-ever commercial flight on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

The inaugural flight, operated by ValueJet Airline, departed for Abuja at precisely 10:10 a.m., carrying 90 passengers aboard aircraft 5N-BXS.

This event marked the culmination of years of planning, construction, and regulatory approvals, and was celebrated as a transformative milestone in the state’s infrastructural and economic development.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who spearheaded the airport project, described the occasion as a dream realized and a testament to visionary leadership. He recalled the site’s humble beginnings in 2021, when skeptics dismissed the project as political theater and the location as a mere dump site. 

Defying those doubts, the administration pushed forward with construction, achieving full operational status in a highly regulated industry.

The governor emphasized that the airport is a strategic component of Ogun State’s multi-modal transportation master plan, designed to integrate road, rail, air, and eventually sea transport systems. This integration is expected to boost trade, tourism, and industrialization across the region.

The Gateway International Airport is situated along the Iperu–Ilisan road in the Ikenne Local Government Area and forms part of a broader Aerotropolis vision.

Surrounding the airport are major industrial developments, including the world’s largest textile plant and the Nigeria Customs Village. Governor Abiodun highlighted that the airport’s location and infrastructure align with Ogun’s status as Nigeria’s fastest-growing economy and its ambition to become the nation’s industrial capital.

The event drew dignitaries from across the country, including members of the National Assembly, state officials, aviation stakeholders, and religious leaders. Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, who was aboard the maiden flight, expressed pride in the achievement, noting its coincidence with his birthday.

 Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, hailed the development as a fulfillment of the dreams of the state’s founding fathers, praising the convenience and economic benefits the airport would bring.

Senator Shuaib Salis, representing Ogun Central, described the experience of flying from his home state as exhilarating and historic.

The airport’s certification and launch were made possible through the diligent efforts of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Ministry of Aviation, led by Festus Keyamo. Their support ensured that the facility met international standards and was ready for commercial operations.

With the successful launch of flight operations, Ogun State has taken a decisive step toward becoming a gateway to investment, commerce, and industrial prosperity.

The Gateway International Airport stands not only as a symbol of infrastructural progress but also as a beacon of what visionary governance can achieve in transforming regional economies and enhancing national connectivity.