Diaspora Engineer, Olaoluwa Dawodu Hails NCAA Approval for Commercial Flights at Ekiti Airport

THE economic landscape of Ekiti State is set for a major transformation following the approval granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for scheduled commercial flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, effective from October 4, 2025.

The landmark approval, conveyed in a letter dated October 3, 2025, to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, transitions the airport from its previous non-scheduled flight status, which expired in December 2024, into a fully licensed commercial hub.

The new permit is valid for an initial six-month period, marking a significant milestone in Ekiti’s infrastructural and economic advancement.

Reacting to the development, an Isan-Ekiti-born, Australia-based Chartered Professional Engineer, Engr. Olaoluwa Dawodu (EOD), described the NCAA approval as a laudable development that would open up the state to various economic growth elements.

Engr. Dawodu, who specializes in Designs, Maintenance/Reliability and Projects within the Mining sector, who also is the Founder and Principal Engineer, Tite Knox Pty Ltd. emphasized that inter-state and eventual international access to the numerous economic potentials of a state can only be optimally explored via safe air access.

According to him, the approval would not only boost commerce and tourism but also stimulate job creation, enhance connectivity and position Ekiti among Nigerian states with viable air transport infrastructure.

He drew parallels between the economic benefits of airports in advanced economies like Australia and the opportunities awaiting Ekiti, citing key data from the Australian aviation sector:

GDP Contribution: Australian airports added an estimated $105 billion to the national economy in 2022.

Employment Impact: The sector supported approximately 690,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

Trade and Tourism: Airports facilitate global access, drive exports, and strengthen regional economies.

Engr. Dawodu noted that Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport has the potential to become a critical economic gateway for the state, serving as a catalyst for agricultural exports, investment inflows and industrial development.

While congratulating the government and people of Ekiti State under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the diaspora engineer commended the administration’s vision and commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.

Engr. Dawodu appealed to Ekiti indigenes at home and abroad to heed the call, return home, add value and support the Governor on everything that will help Ekiti to progress as the state ushers in a new era of air connectivity and economic expansion.