By Femi Alafe- Aluko.
On the 3rd of October 2023, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke constituted an inter ministerial committee to look into the construction of an international Airport in the State. The committee is headed by the Commissioner of Special Duties, Dr B. T. Salami. Their terms of reference is to initiate, develop and actualize the plan to execute the project.
The proposed international Airport is on the same site as the MKO Abiola Airstrip at Ido Osun, in Ede North and Egbedore Local Government Areas. It is rumoured the new name of the Airport would be Isiaka Adeleke Airport. Late Senator Isiaka Adeleke was the 1st Executive Governor of Osun State from January 1992 to November 1993. He is also the senior brother to the current Governor of the State.
It is of interest to know that Ido Osun Airstrip has a long history behind it. 87 years ago, precisely in 1937, it functioned as an Airstrip for the West Africa Frontier Forces, along with the British Army during the 2nd World War because of its long and flat terrain.
This is a project that has transcended many regimes from the Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola to the Rauf Aregbesola administrations. Aregbesola’s regime expanded the scope to also serve as an aircraft maintenance and repair center. In 2015 the Nigerian Air Force Holding Company got involved in the project. Osun State is the home State of a retired Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin. In 2017 a 30 year concession agreement was signed with a company called AWOL(All Works of Life) International Ltd. The company acted true to its name and went AWOL. The concession agreement was later terminated. The Gboyega Oyetola Administration also continued from where Aregbesola stopped.
The question on the mind of most Stakeholders is: “Can the State afford an Airport at this point in time, especially with its proximity to llorin Airport in Kwara State, lbadan Airport in Oyo State, Akure Airport in Ondo State and Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos State. Ogun and Ekiti States are also constructing cargo Airports. On this grounds, sentimentally Osun cannot afford to be left out in the South West.
What does Osun State stand to gain with an Airport? It could promote and stimulate economic growth and development by attracting investment, promoting trade and creating job opportunities in the aviation, trade and tourism sectors.
The Osun Osogbo festival, Olojo festival in Ile Ife, the Iwude festival in llesha and the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove that is a UNESCO World Heritage Center are tourist attractions and delights. Osun State is home to many religious establishments and educational institutions. Presently the State is host to 8 universities in the 3 senatorial districts of the State.
An airport will enhance improved connectivity to other states of the country, making it easier to import and export goods. The Chinese who operate most of the legal and illegal gold mines in the East and West Atakumosa local government areas will find Ido Osun Airport easier to access than Airports in neighboring States. Private Jet owners might find it easier and cheaper to use the hanger than those of other neighbouring Airports .
What are the cost implications of having an Airport in an agrarian and civil service State like Osun? Building and maintaining an Airport is expensive, and it may divert the already scarce resources away from other essential services and infrastructure.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS), Osun State has a Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of $7.3b, making it the lowest just above Ekiti State in the South West. In the first half of 2021, it generated #13.67b as internally generated revenue (IGR). This translates to a little above #2b per month. With remittances from Abuja, can the State afford an Airport? The environmental sustainability of an Airport and minimizing its impact on local ecosystems can be challenging. It is hoped the natives and villagers whose land will be acquired will be adequately compensated. Ekiti State is still having issues regarding this on its Cargo Airport.
Thorough research is needed on the level of demand for air travel in the State. If there isn’t sufficient demand, the Airport might not be economically viable. What are the conditions of the roads leading to the Airport? The lbadan to lwo road is a death trap. Insecurity is still a challenge, inter community clashes have not abated.
The Airport would need to comply with various aviation regulations, safety and security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo.
The viability of an Airport in Osun State hinges on various factors, including economic prospects, tourism potentials, level of regional integration and the state of the infrastructure. The Ido Osun airport will present various opportunities but a comprehensive feasibility study and market analysis are essential to determine its viability. According to the NBS, Nigeria relied on foreign borrowing of $1.2b to boost its capital importation in the first 6 months of 2023. It stated insecurity, harsh and difficult business environment as a disincentive. It went further to state only 8 States namely Lagos, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Ekiti, Niger, Ondo and Ogun attracted foreign investments. Ekiti only attracted $25,000 and Ondo $200,000. This investments were mainly in production and banking.
In conclusion, it is my sincere hope that the committee will look into all the factors before submitting their recommendations to the Government.
Good luck to them!
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