Gateway International Airport Commences Operations in Nigeria
A significant milestone in Nigeria's aviation and logistics sector has been achieved with the official launch of operations at the Gateway International Airport, a flagship infrastructure project spearheaded by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. This development marks a new chapter in enhancing cargo transportation efficiency across the nation and the broader West African region.
Shippers Council Commends Strategic Infrastructure
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has strongly endorsed the airport, with its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Akutah Pius Okeyima, describing it as a critical step toward improving cargo movement. During a courtesy visit to Governor Abiodun at the Oke‑Mosan Government Office Complex, Akutah emphasized that the airport addresses long-standing challenges in goods transportation, serving as a strategic logistics hub for manufacturers, exporters, and international markets.
"The commissioning and utilisation of this airport represents another milestone in the development of infrastructure around cargo transportation within and outside the country," Akutah stated. He noted that weak intermodal transport connections have historically hampered cargo movement in West Africa, but the new airport could significantly boost logistics efficiency and support regional trade, leading to faster delivery timelines and reduced bottlenecks for exporters and importers.
Ogun State's Industrial Demand Drives Project
Akutah highlighted the importance of the airport for Ogun State, recognized as one of Nigeria's leading industrial centres. With hundreds of manufacturing companies in the state, efficient cargo movement is essential for sustaining production, trade, and economic growth. He also praised the state government for developing two dry ports to support cargo handling and alleviate pressure on existing seaports, projects that are progressing rapidly and could strengthen Nigeria's logistics infrastructure upon completion.
Focus on Cargo Sector Reforms
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council selected Ogun State as the venue for its fourth annual retreat, citing the state's supportive business environment. The retreat aims to bring together industry leaders and regulators to discuss challenges in cargo movement and identify practical solutions. "Our focus this year is to expand critical infrastructure and services across Nigeria so that cargo movement becomes faster and the ease of doing business improves," Akutah explained, adding that the Council's visit demonstrates support for Ogun State's efforts to decongest Nigeria's busy seaports through alternative logistics infrastructure.
Deep Sea Port Project Announced
During the meeting, Governor Dapo Abiodun revealed plans for a deep sea port project, which is expected to ease congestion at the Lagos Ports Complex and other major ports while enhancing nationwide cargo distribution. Abiodun commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for its regulatory role and urged retreat participants to develop strategies to improve the organization's efficiency in Nigeria's evolving logistics sector.
With the Gateway International Airport now operational and additional maritime infrastructure in the works, Ogun State is positioning itself as a key logistics gateway for trade within Nigeria and across West Africa. However, the aviation sector faces potential disruptions, as cargo agents consider protests against planned increases in cargo handling tariffs by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, set to begin enforcement in February 2026, particularly at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
