Fresh concerns have emerged over the status of Ibadan Airport as new documents and eyewitness evidence indicate that the facility, officially closed to commercial flights, has been operating selectively for top government officials and political delegations. The development has sparked public outrage, with residents questioning why the airport remains inaccessible to ordinary travellers while hosting high-profile movements.
Reactions intensified after images surfaced showing aircraft landing and departing at the airport, complete with ground staff handling routine operations. Aviation experts say the scenes reflect normal airport activity rather than that of a facility undergoing renovation or deemed unsafe for public use.
Residents of Oyo State have repeatedly expressed frustration over the prolonged downtime of the airport, which authorities earlier described as “not ready” for commercial operations. The newly surfaced evidence, however, suggests that the facility has remained functional for VIP flights, raising questions about transparency and fairness in government decisions.
Further scrutiny deepened on Monday following the circulation of a handwritten and duly stamped directive from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), dated December 2, 2025. The document instructed aviation officials to open the airport from December 5 to 8 specifically for activities connected to an event involving the First Lady. According to analysts, the order shows that the airport can be activated instantly whenever it aligns with political schedules.
In a separate development, a letter from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) dated December 4 granted NG Eagle a one-off approval to land and depart from the Ibadan Airport within the same period. The letter also stated that the Authority had “no technical objection” to the temporary resumption of operations, contradicting earlier claims that technical issues were preventing commercial airlines from using the facility.
Stakeholders say these documents collectively suggest that the airport is operationally sound and capable of handling commercial flights but remains closed due to policy restrictions rather than technical concerns. Aviation observers argue that selective access undermines public trust and fuels perceptions of double standards in the utilisation of public infrastructure.
The situation has left many residents relying heavily on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway, a route widely regarded as one of the most hazardous in the country due to recurrent accidents, kidnappings, and traffic congestion. Travel and safety advocates warn that prolonged dependence on the highway increases the risk of avoidable fatalities and insecurity, especially for frequent commuters.
Civil society groups and local commentators have called on the Federal Government to provide clear explanations regarding the true operational status of the airport. They argue that if the facility is safe enough for VIP movements, it should also be made available for commercial operations that would benefit thousands of residents, businesses and travellers.
Several questions have now been raised, including why the airport can be opened immediately for political events but not for regular flight services, and what justifies subjecting the public to road travel challenges while a functioning airport remains underutilised.
Industry stakeholders emphasise that Ibadan Airport, funded and maintained with public resources, was built to serve the broader population and not a select group of high-ranking individuals. They stress that equitable access is essential for boosting regional mobility, promoting economic growth and enhancing public confidence in aviation governance.
As calls for accountability grow louder, observers say the Federal Government must clarify the timeline for full commercial reopening of the airport and address the concerns raised by documents now in circulation. For many in Oyo State, the expectation remains the same that the facility should be reopened without political interference to guarantee safe, fair and accessible travel for all.
