Construction activity at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, has entered a high-velocity phase this weekend, with contractors working overtime to meet the ambitious June 2026 completion deadline. On-field observations yesterday, January 4, revealed that the ₦41bn project is currently a hive of activity, as the state government pushes to transform the facility into a world-class regional business and aviation hub. The goal is simple: ensure that the next Hajj flight to Saudi Arabia takes off directly from the soil of Ibadan.
The current phase of work focuses on the critical expansion of the runway, which is being lengthened from 2,400 meters to 3,000 meters. This upgrade is essential for accommodating wide-body aircraft that handle international routes. Engineers on-site confirmed that the “runway dressing” and marking are nearing completion, while the installation of the Category C Airfield Lighting System is underway. This system will finally allow for safe night-time landings and take-offs, a feature that has been missing from the facility for years.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has labeled the airport upgrade as a “Legacy Project,” and the “on-field” progress reflects that commitment. The international terminal construction, which was at 15% just months ago, has seen a surge in structural development. By June 2026, the facility is expected to house full-scale Customs, Immigration, and NDLEA units, making it a truly autonomous international gate for the Southwest region, significantly reducing the pressure on Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Funding, which has often been the “death-knell” of major infrastructure projects in Nigeria, appears to be stable for this project. The Acting Governor recently assured the public that the “Budget of Economic Expansion” has specifically ring-fenced the necessary capital to ensure no work stoppage. This “on-field” vigilance by the government is a direct answer to critics who feared the project might become a white elephant. Instead, the Alakia area is seeing a boom in local hospitality and logistics businesses in anticipation of the airport’s reopening.
The impact on the local economy is already being felt, with over 500 direct and indirect jobs created during the construction phase alone. Once operational, the airport is projected to turn Ibadan into a manufacturing and export powerhouse, as perishable agricultural goods from the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun zones can be flown directly to international markets. The holistic approach linking the airport to the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road shows a master-plan for the Pacesetter State that goes beyond mere asphalt and concrete.
As we count down the months, the Ibadan City Announcer will continue to provide “on-field” updates from Alakia. The vision of a 24/7, internationally competitive airport is no longer a political promise; it is a physical reality taking shape. For the people of Oyo State, the sight of heavy machinery moving through the night is a symbol of a state that is finally ready to take its place on the global stage, proving that in 2026, the Pacesetter State is indeed taking flight.
