The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially granted a commercial operational licence to the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in Ogun State, marking a major milestone in the facility’s development and enabling it to begin flight operations.
The confirmation was made on Monday by Balang Godwin, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the NCAA, during a telephone interview. According to him, the issuance of the licence now allows the airport to begin full commercial activity.
“Yes, the licence has been granted,” he said. “Once we issue a certificate, whether for an airline or an aerodrome, operations can begin—as we’ve done in Ogun.”
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun also celebrated the development, describing it as a historic moment for the state and for Nigeria’s aviation industry. He noted that it is the first time a newly built airport has received such certification under the current regulatory regime.
“This is a landmark achievement,” Governor Abiodun said in a video statement. “The certification of the Gateway International Airport is not only a win for Ogun State but for Nigeria as a whole.”
The airport has been assigned an Aerodrome Reference Code 3C and an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services Category 6 rating, enabling it to handle specific classes of aircraft under international aviation standards. For now, operations will be limited to daytime only, from sunrise to sunset, and the airport will operate with a non-precision approach on Runway 05/23, supported by Area Navigation (RNAV) systems.
Governor Abiodun also revealed that discussions with global logistics firms have already begun bearing fruit. He announced that a major international logistics company has committed to operating twice-weekly cargo flights from London to the Ogun airport. In addition, commercial passenger flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt are expected to begin shortly.
“I had a meeting on Sunday with a company planning to fly two cargo flights weekly from London to this airport,” the governor said. “We are also preparing for passenger services to Abuja and Port Harcourt at the startup phase.”
The airport has further been designated as an alternate landing site for Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, highlighting its strategic importance in Nigeria’s aviation network.
“With world-class infrastructure, international cargo connectivity, and a strategic location, the Gateway International Airport will elevate air travel standards in Nigeria and serve as a powerful symbol of Ogun State’s growth and innovation,” Governor Abiodun added.
