THE 9th Assembly of the Nigerian Senate has proposed a bill for an upgrade of the Ibadan Airport in Oyo State to international standard during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The bill was sponsored by Balogun Ademola, senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The bill co-sponsored by 37 other senators stressed that there is the need for the Ibadan Airport to be upgraded into an international airport due to the potential of the city to attract economic development both locally and internationally.
It read that the presence of an international airport will enhance the efficient and effective movement of goods and persons from Nigeria and across the world.
The bill noted that the international Airport will ease pressure on the road and will thereby save lives of Oyo residents and neighbouring states.
“Also note that the presence of International Airport in Ibadan will complement the effort of the Ibadan Inland Dry Port and accelerate the derivation of the expected socio-economic benefits from the inland dry port,” the bill read.
It further read that the potentiality of the bill to enhance financial development is because of the presence of international institutions.
It highlighted the University of Ibadan, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Bola Ige international market and International Okerete market as the major drives for the upgrade.
The bill also noted the proximity of Ibadan Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport which it said is 145 kilometre and would make it easier for established investors in Lagos to expand their business to Ibadan which will eventually increase the GDP of the country.
However, the Senate referred the motion to the Senate Committee on Aviation for a follow-up and scheduled a report in eight weeks.
The Senate also urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and relevant authorities to upgrade the Ibadan domestic Airport to the status of an international airport.
Lukman Abolade is an Investigative reporter with The ICIR. Reach out to him via labolade@icirnigeria.org, on twitter @AboladeLAA and FB @Correction94