By Kayode Olabanji
The Airport Manager of Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu Airport, Akure, Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Adebiyi, has emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the Ondo State Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to enhance infrastructure, strengthen safety and attract more airlines to the state.
Speaking, with Weekend Hope on the current state of operations, Mrs. Adebiyi noted that since assuming duty in February 2025, activities at the airport have remained smooth despite a slight decline in passengers traffic due to economic challenges.
She, however, expressed optimism that traffic would increase towards the end of the year, which traditionally marks a peak period for domestic travel.
Mrs. Adebiyi disclosed that FAAN’s management, under the leadership of the Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, is working tirelessly to ensure the completion of the new terminal building within the next few months.
According to her, the facility, when completed, will ease passengers facilitation and improve overall operational efficiency.
On challenges facing the airport, the manager identified the recurring issue of herdsmen encroachment as major concerns, stressing that herdsmen have repeatedly breached the airport’s perimeter fence, posing safety and security risks to flight operations.
Mrs. Adebiyi revealed that the airport management has taken proactive steps by engaging the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Commissioner of Police, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Airforce Commandant, and the Seriki Fulani leadership in the state, to find lasting solutions.
She also commended the NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Iluyemi Ibiloye, for deploying Agro-Rangers to assist in securing the facility.
The airport manager further appealed to the state government to provide patrol vehicles to enhance surveillance around the airside and manoeuvring areas.
She recalled that after a recent windstorm damaged parts of the airport, Governor Aiyedatiwa visited the facility and promised to provide an additional fire tender.
Highlighting the economic importance of air transport, she called on the state government to revive the idea of flight ticket subsidies, a policy once implemented by a previous administration to encourage air travel.
According to her, subsidised flight fares would help attract more passengers, encourage airlines to operate additional routes and boost the local economy.
The manager also emphasised the potential of the airport’s cargo terminal, which is awaiting completion. She noted that the facility already has containers and equipment for both dry and cold storage, and when operational, it will serve as a vital export hub for agricultural produce and mineral resources such as bitumen and gold.
“Just one operational cargo airline can change the economic story of Ondo State. With the volume of farming and mining activities here, the cargo terminal can serve Ondo and neighbouring states like Ekiti, Edo, Osun and even Oyo,” she said.
Mrs. Adebiyi appealed for collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to use the new terminal building as a platform to showcase the state’s tourism potential.
She added that such partnerships would not only boost tourism, but also create business opportunities for local enterprises.
The Airport Manager also expressed concern that the soon-to-commence operations at the Ekiti Airport could divert air traffic from Akure if prompt action is not taken.
According to her, the state government must intensify efforts to attract and retain airlines willing to operate from Akure, especially United Nigeria Airlines, which she said had shown interest, but required firm commitments.
On passenger conduct, the Airport Manager reminded travellers of the need to comply with airport security regulations.
She lamented that some passengers occasionally disregard safety procedures, which sometimes leads to confrontation with aviation security personnel.
She, therefore, assured that FAAN remains committed to providing a safe, comfortable and secure travel experience for all passengers.
Mrs. Adebiyi reaffirmed FAAN’s mission to make Nigerian airports rank among the top 100 globally, stressing that teamwork, safety and customer satisfaction remain the agency’s top priorities.