Ogun State has officially commenced commercial flight operations at the Gateway International Airport in Ilishan-Remo, marking a major milestone in the state’s infrastructure and economic development.

Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday inaugurated the airport’s first commercial flight, operated by ValueJet with registration number 5N-BXS, carrying 90 passengers from Ogun to Abuja.

Speaking during the event, Abiodun described the milestone as a testament to his administration’s vision and determination to modernize the state’s transport system. “I am glad to witness the inaugural flight of a commercial aircraft taking off from Ogun State. This is real—commercial operations have begun in our lifetime,” he said.

Construction of the airport began in late 2021, and ValueJet conducted its first test flight in February 2023. Abiodun emphasized that the facility is part of a broader multimodal transport plan linking roads, rail, air, and eventually sea transport.

He described the airport as central to Ogun’s growth, noting its location within an emerging aerotropolis hosting major industries such as a global textile plant and a Nigeria Customs Service village. “More people are coming to live, work, and play in Ogun State. This airport makes sense,” he said.

Abiodun commended aviation regulators, particularly the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, for their guidance and supervision throughout the project.

Ogun Assembly Speaker Oludaisi Elemide hailed the airport as a fulfillment of the state’s founding vision, saying it would bring comfort and economic benefits to residents. “This place was once a dump site but is now a world-class airport,” he said.

Chris Najomo, Director-General of the NCAA, also praised the state for adhering to all aviation standards and pledged support to facilitate international operations in the near future.