For The Sake Of Clarity; Ido-Osun Airport

• By ‘Dare Eluyemi

The Ido Osun Airport project, also known as the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola International Airport was initiated during the administration of Rauf Aregbesola, who served as the Governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018. The project aimed to develop a state-of-the-art airport in Ido Osun, a town in Osun State, to boost the state’s economy, attract investment, and improve transportation infrastructure. Here is a summary of its history and development during the Aregbesola administration.

The idea of an airport in Osun State was not entirely new, but Aregbesola’s administration revived and significantly promoted it. It was planned as a flagship infrastructure project intended to position Osun State as a hub for business and tourism. The airport was envisioned as a modern facility capable of handling international and domestic flights. It included plans for a cargo terminal to support agricultural exportation and other commercial activities.

The project was largely funded through a combination of public resources and private investments, as well as loans. The administration also sought partnerships to ensure the completion of the project. Construction of the airport began during Aregbesola’s tenure but faced delays due to financial constraints and economic challenges. By the end of his administration in 2018, significant work had been done, including land acquisition, clearing, and initial construction phases, but the airport was not completed.

Economic downturns and limited state revenue made it difficult to sustain the project’s financial demands. Opposition parties and critics questioned the viability and prioritization of the airport, arguing that the funds could have been better spent on education, healthcare, and other pressing needs. Despite the setbacks, the project remained a significant talking point in Osun State’s development discourse. Subsequent administrations, including that of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, made attempts to continue or re-evaluate the project, although with no strong political will.

While the airport project was seen as ambitious by the public, it drew mixed reactions. Supporters praised Aregbesola for his vision and efforts to modernize Osun State, while detractors argued that the project was overly ambitious for a state with limited resources. It is of utmost importance to know that the site of the project was suitable to accommodate the cargo airport based on the technical analysis that was conducted by previous administrations.

Below are the current technical details and specifications of the airport based on the initial plans and subsequent developments:

Location

• Site: Ido Osun, Egbedore Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria.
• Coordinates: Approximately 7 kilometers north of Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Key Design Features

1. Runway:
• Length: Approximately 3.5 kilometers (3,500 meters) and not 1.5 as wrongly reported.
• Width: Designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft and medium-sized jets.
• Material: High-grade asphalt designed to handle heavy-duty loads for cargo and passenger planes.

2. Passenger Terminal:
• A modern passenger terminal with facilities for domestic and international travelers.
• Designed with advanced check-in counters, baggage handling systems, and customs/immigration processing.

3. Cargo Terminal:
• Focused on agricultural and industrial exports.
• Equipped with cold storage facilities to handle perishable goods, such as farm produce, for export.

4. Navigation and Communication Systems:
• Plans included modern Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) equipment.
• Radar systems and air traffic control towers to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.

5. Hanger Facilities:
• Maintenance hangers for aircraft servicing and repairs.

6. Apron and Taxiways:
• Apron areas designed to hold multiple aircraft simultaneously.
• Taxiways constructed to enable smooth movement between the runway and terminals.

7. Support Infrastructure:
• Fire and rescue facilities compliant with international aviation safety standards.
• Fuel depot for aircraft refueling.
• Power generation systems and water supply for airport operations.

8. Environmental and Aesthetic Features:
• Landscaping and drainage systems to manage water runoff during heavy rains.
• Noise and pollution control measures to minimize the environmental impact.

Capacity and Vision

• Passenger Handling: Projected to handle over 1 million passengers annually upon completion.
• Cargo Handling: Expected to boost agricultural exports by providing direct air links for products such as cocoa, yam, and other perishables to international markets.
• Aircraft Types: Designed to accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and smaller private jets.

Project Implementation Partners

• Main Contractor: Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services (AETS).
• Supervision: Ministry of Works and Transport, Osun State Government.
• Private Investors: Collaborations with local and international stakeholders were planned to drive funding and expertise.

Challenges

• Delays in the installation of critical systems, including navigation and terminal equipment.
• Financial constraints limited progress on key technical installations.
• Maintenance and long-term sustainability plans remained undefined at the time of Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.

Current Status

As of now, the airport remains incomplete. Efforts by subsequent administrations to continue the project have focused on securing additional funding. However, the site retains its potential for future development as a regional aviation hub meaning relocation of the project site is not a necessity.

The opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author. It does not represent the editorial position or opinion of OSUN DEFENDER.