Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, on Monday,  inaugurated an aviation fuel depot at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti to boost flight operations.

The facility, established through a partnership between the state government and Reeve Energy Nigeria Ltd., is expected to facilitate aircraft refuelling and strengthen commercial flight operations.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Oyebanji said the state government would continue to expand the airport’s operational capacity through strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The governor disclosed that efforts were ongoing to upgrade the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and install aerodrome ground lighting to enable 24-hour flight operations at the airport.

He said the ground lighting project would cost more than N10 billion, adding that its completion would enable aircraft to land at any time and improve the airport’s attractiveness to investors.

Mr Oyebanji also revealed that the government was working towards establishing an Independent Power Project (IPP) to ensure a reliable electricity supply and reduce operating costs at the airport.

He promised to focus on industrialisation, increased productivity and attracting investments capable of generating wealth and sustainable economic growth.

The governor urged communities across the state to support investors and provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, stressing that community cooperation was essential to the state’s industrialisation drive.

He said investors were always attracted to locations with adequate infrastructure, a favourable business environment and prospects for profitability.

“Investors are not emotional people. Capital will flow to where it is well treated and where the right environment will also support profitability,” he said.

Mr Oyebanji commended Reeve Energy Nigeria Ltd. for investing in the state and assured the company and other investors of the government’s continued support.

Earlier, the company’s chief executive officer, Efuru Nwakuche, said the project was a collaboration between the private sector and the government to promote economic growth and infrastructure development.

Ms Nwakuche expressed appreciation to the governor and relevant government agencies, including the Ekiti State Airport Management Company, for their support in bringing the project to fruition.

She said the facility would strengthen aviation energy services, support increasing flight operations and contribute to the state’s economic development.

She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safety, quality, reliability and operational excellence in supporting the development of Nigeria’s aviation and energy sectors. 

(NAN)