Commercial cargo flight operations are set to begin at the Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, in a move widely regarded as a significant boost to the state’s aviation and economic expansion agenda.
The cargo initiative, spearheaded by Allied Air in partnership with Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCOL), builds on the airport’s earlier milestone when passenger operations commenced on October 7, 2025, opening the facility to domestic travellers across the country.
With Cargo services now coming on stream, the airport is projected to evolve into a strategic logistics hub, facilitating the seamless movement of goods within Nigeria and to International markets. Industry stakeholders say the development will enhance trade flows, strengthen regional connectivity, and deepen supply chain efficiency across key sectors of the economy.
Speaking after a meeting with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Chairman of Sifax Group and aviation partner SAHCOL, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, described the project as historic and transformative.
According to him, chartered cargo flights would soon begin operations from Iperu, noting that the airport’s infrastructure ranks among the best for domestic cargo operations in Nigeria. He emphasized that the facility would not only support increased imports but also significantly boost exports, particularly agricultural produce from Ogun State and the wider Southwest region.
Afolabi added that the airport would serve as a critical platform for agribusiness development, manufacturing logistics, and international trade, while urging investors to leverage Ogun State’s business-friendly environment and expanding infrastructure base.
On his part, Managing Director of Allied Air, Captain Val Tongo, expressed satisfaction with the level of infrastructure at the airport, revealing that the airline is exploring the possibility of establishing a cargo flight training school at the facility.
He noted that while several states operate cargo airports, Ogun State stands out, especially due to its proximity to Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial capital. He stressed that beyond infrastructure development, operational efficiency and economic viability remain key to sustaining cargo aviation growth.
Also lending his voice, Chief Executive Officer of Air Atlantic, Mr. King, commended the airport’s infrastructure and declared readiness to collaborate with the Ogun State Government in cargo handling operations. He disclosed that his company operates cargo flights to Nigeria and other West African countries and is prepared to position Ogun as a major cargo business centre in the Country.
Stakeholders project that the commencement of cargo operations will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities spanning aviation services, warehousing, trucking, cold-chain logistics, packaging, and export processing.
In addition, the development is expected to boost agricultural exports, reduce post-harvest losses, attract manufacturing investments, and expand Government revenue streams through airport services and allied commercial activities.
With its strategic location near Lagos and rapidly expanding infrastructure, Gateway International Airport is poised to transform Iperu into a major regional logistics hub while easing pressure on existing cargo corridors across Nigeria.
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