The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the closure of Ibadan Airport for six months to facilitate maintenance and upgrade works.
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu disclosed this on Friday via his X handle.
The announcement comes just eight months after President Bola Tinubu approved the airport’s upgrade to international status.
Achimugu stated in his post, “Subject to new information, Ibadan Airport may be shut down for six months for maintenance/upgrade, starting from early March.”
In June, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde revealed that President Tinubu had approved the transformation of the Ibadan Domestic Airport, Alakia, into an international airport.
In a short video clip online, the governor said, “The President has graciously approved my request for the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an international airport.”
Governor Seyi Makinde explained that once the airport upgrade is completed, including the runway expansion, extension, and facility upgrades, the state will be able to accommodate international flights directly into Ibadan.
In January 2025, the governor announced the commencement of construction for a new international terminal as part of the efforts to meet international standards.
This development follows the groundbreaking ceremony held on September 18, 2024, marking the start of the project’s first phase.
Makinde outlined that the upgrade would be executed in two major stages. The first phase, currently underway, focuses on runway improvements, upgraded airport lighting, and enhanced fire service facilities.