Officials from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency conducted flight checks at Gateway International Airport in Ogun State on Monday, marking a crucial step toward the commencement of commercial flights.
The Manager of Flight Calibration Services at NAMA, Engr. Miri Selzing, explained that the purpose of the check was to ensure the airport’s procedures were in alignment with the standards set for it.
He said, “Our purpose for coming here is to check the proposed procedures that have been defined for the airport. This is a significant process and not something that can be concluded in a short time.
“Our visit is the beginning of the validation of the procedure. We have reviewed the procedures that have been drawn up, checked them in the air, and we will analyze them when we get back to our base. From there, we will be able to come up with recommendations and modifications where necessary.
“But physically, the airport looks very good. The runway, about four kilometers long—the longest in the country—is very impressive. The airport has a good terminal building; everything is fine, so it is a great job being done here.”
He praised the Ogun State government for completing the airport in such a short time and suggested the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other navigational aids to support flight operations at the airport.
“The validation of the procedure is to facilitate the arrival of aircraft at the airport,” he said. “With the level of work done, we hope the airport will soon become a destination for airplanes.”
Selzing further added, “The runway is long and large enough to accommodate any type of aircraft. The airport would handle diversions from Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin. We commend the Ogun State government for such a laudable project, and we are prepared to assist as more facilities are installed at the airport.”
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, also spoke on the development.
He confirmed that the NAMA team had carried out the “23 and the 05” checks and identified the “waypoint.” Once the flight check is completed, it will be made available online for easy access.
“This is one of the last elements we need to address to obtain commercial approval,” he noted.
Regarding the overall progress, Akinsanya stated that while airport development is a continuous process globally, Gateway International Airport is 97 percent complete.
The control tower, air traffic control officers, fire services, and other essential facilities have already been installed.
