FG, Edo govt back airport revival plan

The Federal Government and the Edo State Government have agreed on a mid-year timeline to activate commercial operations at the Benin Airport, alongside plans to establish an indigenous airline for the state.

This was agreed at a meeting on Wednesday between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, who led a delegation of top government officials on a visit to the minister in Abuja. This was contained in a statement signed by Keyamo’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, and made available to journalists on Friday.

The governor said the proposed airline would be a key pillar of his administration’s economic revival strategy, stressing that aviation remains critical to attracting investment, boosting tourism, and creating jobs in the state.

According to him, the Edo State Government has begun exploring partnership options, including discussions with South African investors who have indicated readiness to provide aircraft for the commencement of operations.