Oyo state government has disclosed that the new Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport Terminal in Ibadan would accommodate one million passengers annually.

This was made known at the foundation laying ceremony of the New terminal at the SLA Airport, Alakia in Egbeda Local Government area on Friday.

The Chairman of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee and former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, who performed the foundation-laying ceremony on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde’ said the effort is another giant leap forward and a crucial component of the airport upgrade plan.

He maintained that the new Terminal Building, which will be constructed by Messrs Craneburg Construction Ltd, represented a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of Governor Makinde.

Tribune Online recalls that in September 2024, the Oyo State governor launched the first phase of the airport upgrade project with the extension of the runway to 3,000 metres to meet international standards and regulatory requirements to accommodate larger aircraft.

The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, with Adekanmbi stating that it will ease the flow of passengers, boost the airport’s cargo handling capacity, and position the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a top-tier facility in Nigeria.

He said: “Today, we embark on a remarkable journey that will redefine the aviation landscape of this region, opening up new horizons of opportunity, growth, and connectivity- the commencement of the construction of a new terminal building at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport.

“This event represents not only the start of a major transformation but also a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of our Governor, His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde.

“It is crucial to recognize the pivotal role airports play in the advancement of any region. They are not mere transportation hubs but essential catalysts for economic development, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

“In Oyo State, we are incredibly fortunate to have a leader who understands the far-reaching impact of such investments. Under the dynamic leadership of Governor Makinde, Oyo State is poised to take a bold leap forward.

“His Excellency has championed the development of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, not just as an infrastructural upgrade, but as a gateway to unlocking the immense economic potential of Oyo State and the entire Southwest region.

“His relentless pursuit of progress, coupled with his profound commitment to enhancing our state’s connectivity, is embodied in this grand project.

“Governor Makinde’s foresight and dedication to ensuring a world-class facility for the people of Oyo State stand as an inspiring example of visionary governance.

“His tireless work ethic and unwavering focus on sustainable development ensure that this airport will become a symbol of progress, prosperity, and pride for us all.”

Adekanmbi, who stated that the government had made tremendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project, explained that the state-of-the-art Terminal Building that will be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 will accommodate up to one million passengers annually, which is a massive increase from the current capacity of 100,000.