- President Bola Tinubu has officially inaugurated the Gateway Cargo International Airport in Iperu and launched two new aircraft for Ogun State’s Gateway Airline.
- The President commissioned 1,000 electric bikes, a fleet of security vehicles, and a comprehensive Customs Hub featuring barracks, a training college, and a hospital.
- The event was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors, highlighting a unified front for sub-national development.
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday inaugurated the Gateway Cargo International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, describing the project and accompanying initiatives as a foundation for “tomorrow’s prosperity.”
Eko Hot Blog reports that the President emphasized that his administration’s economic reforms are designed to funnel more resources to states for high-impact projects that benefit the citizenry directly.
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Beyond the airport, the President launched 1,000 electric bikes, which he characterized as a “smart response” to modern transportation needs and a move away from fossil fuel dependency.
The commissioning also included new tractors for agricultural development and a ₦73 billion Customs Hub aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business while providing modern facilities for the Nigeria Customs Service.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu noted that the new airport is powered by an independent energy source, reflecting a core pillar of his administration’s investment strategy.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his visionary leadership, stating that Ogun State’s initiatives align perfectly with the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“Our investment is about our people,” the President remarked. “The infrastructure underscores our faith in our country… development must touch every level.”
The event also served as a platform for significant policy appeals. Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged President Tinubu to consider decentralizing the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Akpabio argued that a decentralized model would create a more effective power system, building on the independent power plant models first initiated by Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
Akpabio further noted that federal reforms have significantly boosted Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for sub-nationals, allowing states to fund major projects and pay salaries without resorting to heavy borrowing.
Governor Dapo Abiodun thanked the President for the visit, labeling it a symbolic endorsement of sub-national governments as the primary engines of national growth.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also offered words of appreciation, noting that the rapid development of Ogun State over the last 50 years, culminating in an international cargo airport was once unthinkable.
The high-profile ceremony drew a significant gathering of the nation’s economic and political leadership, including Finance Minister Wale Edun, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, alongside traditional rulers and governors from across the federation.
