Commercial cargo flight operations are set to commence at Gateway International Airport, Iperu, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, marking a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s aviation logistics, cargo handling, and trade infrastructure.
The development represents a critical expansion of the airport’s operational scope, following the successful launch of passenger services on October 7, 2025.
With cargo operations now coming on stream, the airport is strategically positioned to become a leading cargo airport in Nigeria, supporting domestic distribution networks and international freight movement across West Africa and beyond.
The introduction of commercial cargo services is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s air freight capacity, enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods, particularly agricultural produce, manufactured items, and time-sensitive exports.
Industry analysts project that the airport will play a pivotal role in strengthening national supply chains, export logistics, and regional trade connectivity.
Speaking after a meeting with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Chairman of Sifax Group and aviation partner SAHCOL Plc, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, described the development as historic for Nigeria’s aviation and logistics ecosystem.
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“The airport’s infrastructure meets international cargo handling standards,” he said.
“This makes it suitable for chartered cargo flights, large-scale imports, and export-driven operations, particularly agricultural exports from Ogun State and the wider South-West region.”
Aviation school
The Managing Director of Allied Air, Captain Val Tongo, said the airline was impressed by the airport’s infrastructure and operational readiness.
“Allied Air is exploring the establishment of a cargo aviation training school, which would further enhance technical capacity and workforce development in Nigeria’s air freight sector.
“”Proximity to Lagos, functional infrastructure, and economic viability place Ogun State ahead of many competing cargo airport locations in Nigeria,” he noted.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Atlantic, Mr. King, praised the quality of facilities at the airport and expressed readiness to partner with the Ogun State Government on cargo handling, freight operations, and regional distribution services across Nigeria and West Africa.
Located close to Lagos, Gateway International Airport is uniquely positioned to decongest existing cargo routes, reduce logistics bottlenecks, and serve as a high-capacity alternative cargo gateway for the country.
Analysts believe the airport will accelerate Ogun State’s emergence as a regional logistics powerhouse while enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global air freight and export markets.
