Ogun set to commence cargo flight operations at Gateway Airport

Gateway International Airport, Ogun state, Nigeria

Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state, has announced that the Gateway International Airport in Iperu is set to begin commercial cargo flight operations, marking another major milestone in the country’s aviation and economic development drive.

This was stated on his official X handle on Friday, when he noted that the development follows the successful commencement of passenger flights on October 7, 2025, and reinforces the state’s commitment to making the airport fully functional and economically impactful.

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Abiodun stated that the launch of cargo services in partnership with Allied Air and SAHCOL is aimed at positioning the airport as a strategic logistics hub that will strengthen trade, regional connectivity, and supply chains within Nigeria and beyond.

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“The quality of infrastructure has attracted strong interest from aviation and logistics leaders, including Sifax Group, who have described the facility as exceptional for cargo operations and a catalyst for boosting agricultural exports from Ogun State and the wider Southwest.

“We are encouraged by the confidence expressed by operators and investors who see Ogun State as ahead of the curve due to its proximity to Lagos, business-friendly environment, and focus on functionality,” he said.

Abiodun also stated that the commencement of cargo operations is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost agribusiness and manufacturing logistics, reduce post-harvest losses, attract new investments, and increase government revenue, saying, “With this step, we are transforming Iperu into a major regional logistics centre while easing pressure on existing cargo routes across Nigeria.”

Juliet Onyema is a transport journalist who reports on Nigeria’s transport and automobile industry. She covers emerging Electric Vehicles (EVs), ranging from adoption to usage, automobile firms and transport policies which affect them, and also recurring trends affecting commuters’ mobility interstate and intrastate.

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