Makinde Denies N50bn Federal Funding for Ibadan Airport Upgrade

Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has rejected claims that the Federal Government provided N50 billion to the state for the upgrade of the Ibadan International Airport.

Makinde made the clarification on Tuesday while speaking at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina.

His comments followed a statement by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout programme on Monday.

Wike had said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government supported the Oyo State Government with N50 billion for the airport project.

Makinde: Oyo Funded the Project

Reacting to the claim, Makinde said Oyo State did not receive the alleged N50 billion from the Federal Government.

He maintained that the ongoing expansion and upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan was being financed entirely by the state government.

Makinde said:

“I want to say that the claim is false. The President did not give me or Oyo State N50 billion to upgrade the Ibadan Airport.”

The governor added that the airport project was being undertaken “100 per cent with the funds of Oyo State.”

The denial was also reported by Premium Times and The Guardian on Tuesday.

Dispute Over Airport Funding

The disagreement places conflicting claims from two senior political figures at the centre of the debate over who is financing the airport upgrade.

While Wike attributed N50 billion in support to the Federal Government, Makinde has denied receiving such funding.

The airport project is intended to improve the capacity and facilities of the Ibadan airport as Oyo State works to position the facility as an international gateway. Recent reporting indicates that construction of a new terminal building is ongoing.

Makinde Speaks at 2027 Town Hall

Makinde made the statement while addressing supporters and stakeholders at the Northwest Consultative Meeting in Katsina.

The event formed part of his political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

The governor's comments on the airport funding were among several issues he addressed during the meeting.