The Oyo State Government has strongly refuted claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that the Federal Government contributed about N50 billion towards the reconstruction and upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the state government described the claim as inaccurate and misleading, insisting that the airport project has been funded entirely by the Oyo State Government.
The controversy follows remarks attributed to Wike suggesting that the Federal Government provided substantial financial support for the ongoing transformation of the airport. However, Oyo State authorities maintained that federal involvement was limited to granting the necessary approvals required for the upgrade.
According to Olanrewaju, approval for the airport’s reconstruction was granted on the condition that the project would be executed at no financial cost to the Federal Government. He stated that all funding obligations have been borne solely by the state government.
The spokesperson outlined several components of the project, including the expansion and reinforcement of the airport runway, improvements to apron facilities, upgrades to navigational and airfield lighting systems, installation of enhanced aviation safety infrastructure and the ongoing construction of a modern international terminal.
He also noted that the dualisation of the Airport Road forms part of the broader infrastructure programme aimed at supporting the airport’s transition into an international aviation hub.
Olanrewaju argued that attributing the project’s funding to the Federal Government could create a misleading impression of how public resources were allocated and spent. He further stated that the claim was not supported by any publicly known Federal Executive Council decision or statutory funding arrangement.
The state government maintained that the airport upgrade represents one of its major infrastructure investments and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen economic development, improve connectivity and attract investment into Oyo State.
The Ladoke Akintola International Airport project has attracted significant attention due to its scale and the potential impact on commercial activities within the state and the wider South-West region. When completed, the upgraded facility is expected to enhance passenger and cargo operations while supporting increased domestic and international air traffic.
The disagreement between the state government and the FCT Minister has added a political dimension to discussions surrounding the project, with both sides presenting differing accounts regarding its financing.
As public debate continues, attention is likely to remain on official records and documentation that may clarify the source of funding for one of the state’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent years.
