The Federal Government and the Edo State Government have agreed on a mid-year timeline to activate commercial operations at the Benin Airport, alongside plans to establish an indigenous airline for the state.
This was agreed at a meeting on Wednesday between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, who led a delegation of top government officials on a visit to the minister in Abuja. This was contained in a statement signed by Keyamo’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, and made available to journalists on Friday.
The governor said the proposed airline would be a key pillar of his administration’s economic revival strategy, stressing that aviation remains critical to attracting investment, boosting tourism, and creating jobs in the state.
According to him, the Edo State Government has begun exploring partnership options, including discussions with South African investors who have indicated readiness to provide aircraft for the commencement of operations.
He said, “If I have my way, I want this airline to take off immediately, even as early as tomorrow. Edo State needs a strong aviation presence to open up our economy and reposition Benin as a major commercial hub.”
In his response, the minister described the initiative as timely and forward-looking, noting that the Ministry of Aviation had also been engaging prospective investors showing renewed interest in the commercial viability of the Benin Airport.
Keyamo recalled the airport’s historical role in Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly during the era of the defunct Okada Air, when Benin served as a major hub for the old Midwest region.
“Benin Airport was once a strong aviation hub during the glory days of Okada Air. There is no reason it cannot reclaim that status. The level of interest we are seeing now confirms that Benin is ready again,” Keyamo stated.
To accelerate the process, the minister announced the establishment of a technical committee to drive coordination between the Federal Government and Edo State.
He requested the governor to nominate a liaison officer who would work directly with the Director of Air Transport Management at the ministry to ensure regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
He further said, “This committee will report to both of us on a weekly basis. With proper collaboration, Benin Airport should be fully operational between the first and second quarters of this year.”
The engagement, he said, reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening regional air connectivity, encouraging indigenous airline operations and supporting state-led aviation initiatives in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
