The Ogun State Government has announced that ValueJet Airlines will officially commence commercial flight operations from the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport on October 7, marking a major milestone in the state’s aviation ambitions and Nigeria’s expanding air transport network.

The development signals a significant leap in air connectivity within the southwest region, bringing Ogun closer to becoming a critical aviation hub that supports both passenger and cargo traffic.

The announcement was made during a high-level event attended by top aviation officials, including Farouk Umar, Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and other key industry stakeholders.

Their presence underscored the federal government’s growing support for subnational investments in aviation infrastructure.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who has championed the Gateway Airport project since its inception, described ValueJet’s debut as “a validation of Ogun’s readiness to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s fast-evolving aviation landscape.”

According to him, the airport is designed to handle both passenger and cargo flights, strategically linking Ogun’s industrial corridors with regional and international markets.

The launch of ValueJet’s operations comes at a time when Nigeria’s air passenger traffic is experiencing an unprecedented surge.

Data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) shows that over 18 million passengers were recorded across the country’s airports in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year.

Industry analysts attribute this growth to improved economic activity, the emergence of new routes, and state-backed investments in airport infrastructure.

The addition of Ogun to the list of states with functional commercial airports is expected to further ease passenger congestion in Lagos and open up new travel options for residents and businesses.

ValueJet, a fast-growing Nigerian airline known for its affordability and on-time services, has been steadily expanding its routes across the country.

The move into Ogun State aligns with its strategy to tap into underserved markets while supporting regional mobility.

Airline officials say the new route will connect travellers to major cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Asaba, while also facilitating logistics and cargo movement for manufacturers within the state’s industrial zones.

Aviation experts believe that commercial operations at the Gateway Airport will generate ripple effects across multiple sectors, from hospitality and logistics to real estate and manufacturing.

The project is also expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, positioning Ogun as a major beneficiary of Nigeria’s growing domestic air travel market.

With ValueJet’s entry, Ogun joins states like Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and Kebbi that have recently activated their airports to attract investment and enhance accessibility.