President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday commissioned the Gateway International Cargo Airport and a suite of landmark infrastructure projects, describing the investments as a vital "economic nerve centre" for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
The official visit to the "Gateway State" marked a significant milestone in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s infrastructure agenda. The President inaugurated the airport’s nearly four-kilometre runway and modern control tower, positioning the facility as the nucleus of an emerging "aerotropolis" designed to integrate aviation, logistics, and power.
During the ceremony in Iperu, President Tinubu praised the collaborative vision between the state and federal governments. He emphasised that the strategic infrastructure being built today is a prerequisite for long-term national prosperity and a central pillar of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
"I appreciate the opportunity to join you today in celebrating the remarkable vision of this governor and his predecessors," President Tinubu stated during the commissioning. "Over the past seven years, you have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism in advancing Nigeria's growth. We are integrating this airport project with investments in gas, energy, and other sectors designed to impact every level of society."
Beyond the aviation sector, the President also launched "Gateway Air," the state’s new aviation initiative. In partnership with ValueJet, the airline unveiled an initial fleet of Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft intended to facilitate both passenger and cargo movement, boosting the state’s capacity for international trade and domestic connectivity.
The President’s itinerary also addressed national security and trade efficiency. He commissioned a 73-billion-naira office complex for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit, Zone A. The new facility in Iperu includes a training college and warehouse, aimed at modernising infrastructure and curbing smuggling in the Southwest zone.
Addressing the broader national climate, President Tinubu used the platform to reassure the public regarding the country’s security challenges. He affirmed that his administration remains resolute in its determination to defeat banditry and terrorism, asserting that ongoing reforms and strategic investments are already yielding tangible results across critical sectors.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, speaking alongside the President, noted that the projects reflect a resolve to build a more prosperous state while supporting federal objectives. He highlighted that the initiatives—ranging from a 30MW Independent Power Plant to the distribution of 1,000 electric bikes for green mobility—demonstrate a comprehensive approach to energy, transport, and economic sustainability.
The event drew high-profile attendees, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who commended the landmark nature of the project. The visit followed a brief postponement of the President's initial schedule as he first travelled to Jos, Plateau State, to commiserate with victims of recent attacks before proceeding with the Ogun State official commissions.