NCAA Approves First Aerodrome Operational Permit For Ogun Gateway Intl. Airport
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted the country’s first-ever Aerodrome Operational Permit (AOP) to the Gateway International Airport, Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State.
The approval, which marks a historic milestone in Nigeria’s aviation industry, makes the Gateway facility the first airport to secure the certification under the NCAA’s strengthened regulatory framework.
In a related development, the Instrument Landing System/Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) installed on Runway 23 of the airport has also been certified fully operational by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The agency, after conducting a flight inspection on September 4, 2025, declared the system “totally satisfactory in all respects” and cleared it for unrestricted use.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, welcomed the development, describing it as a validation of his administration’s efforts to transform Ogun State into a hub for commerce, investment, and global connectivity.
“This achievement is not just for Ogun State but for Nigeria as a whole. The Gateway International Airport is a symbol of progress and a new benchmark for aviation infrastructure,” the governor said.
The approvals are expected to position the Gateway International Airport as a game-changer in the sector, with benefits ranging from enhanced safety and reliability of operations to direct international market access for farmers, job creation for youths, and decongestion of Lagos airports.
With these certifications, Ogun State has taken a significant step forward in aviation development, setting fresh standards for infrastructure, safety, and competitiveness on the global stage.