Makinde Vows to Make Ibadan Airport Nigeria’s Best, Pledges More Investor-Friendly Policies in Oyo State

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the state one of Nigeria’s leading investment hubs.

The pledge came barely a week after the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, recorded a historic milestone with the landing of its first wide-bodied aircraft in 43 years.

Makinde made the statement while speaking at The Jagz Hospitality Conference, an event marking the first anniversary of the hotel in Ibadan.

Transforming Oyo into Nigeria’s Investment Destination

The governor explained that the airport upgrade was only a part of his broader vision to make Oyo State an investor-friendly destination despite Nigeria’s prevailing economic challenges.

He noted that his administration’s business-friendly policies had already started attracting investors and promised to raise the bar even further.

Critique of Import Substitution

Makinde also weighed in on Nigeria’s economic strategy, criticising the long-held theory of “import substitution” as a pathway to prosperity.

He argued that no nation develops by isolating itself and called for greater openness to international investment.

“Oyo State must open its doors to global investors. The expansion of the Ibadan airport is not just about flights—it is about tourism, trade, and economic growth,” he said.

Airport Upgrade as a Game Changer

Reflecting on the airport’s milestone, Makinde noted that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, commissioned in 1982, had to wait 43 years before welcoming a wide-bodied aircraft.

“Within one year of getting approval, we extended the runway and made this historic landing possible. But we are not stopping there. Our vision is to make Ibadan Airport the most welcoming and investor-friendly airport in Nigeria—a hub where people from around the world will want to come, feel welcome, and return,” the governor declared.

He assured residents and investors that the airport’s transformation will play a major role in boosting tourism, commerce, and industrial growth in Oyo State.