The Commissioner revealed that the airport has been approved to operate as a sunset airport, with plans to extend its operations to 24-hour cargo services. He added that the necessary equipment is being procured to facilitate continuous activities and optimize the facility’s usage.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Ogun State government and Santos Aviation will partner to train indigenous youth and equip them through technology transfer in aviation careers. This initiative aims to provide aspiring aviation professionals with the necessary technical skills to thrive in the industry.
Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, made this known during a courtesy visit by Mr. Segun Adesanya, Managing Director of Santos Aviation Ltd. The meeting, held at the Government House in Abeokuta, focused on investment opportunities to develop the state’s aviation sector. Dr. Taiwo assured Mr. Adesanya of the government’s full support in actualizing his proposed aviation training initiative.
Highlighting the potential of the newly established Ogun Airport at Iperu, Remo, Dr. Taiwo encouraged Santos Aviation to take advantage of the project. He emphasized that the airport’s strategic location and infrastructure make it an attractive hub for aviation-related enterprises, particularly for training and aircraft maintenance operations.
Ogun State Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, provided updates on the airport’s development, noting that the project has been ongoing for three years. He explained that the runway is designed to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, positioning the airport for both domestic and international operations.
The Commissioner revealed that the airport has been approved to operate as a sunset airport, with plans to extend its operations to 24-hour cargo services. He added that the necessary equipment is being procured to facilitate continuous activities and optimize the facility’s usage.
Engr. Dairo also stated that light aircraft are already utilizing the airport and assured that commercial operations would commence in the coming months. He praised Mr. Adesanya’s commitment to aviation development and noted that the state is considering introducing aviation courses in its technical institutions to prepare students for careers in the sector.
During the meeting, Mr. Adesanya outlined his vision for youth development through technology transfer in aviation careers. He stressed the importance of structured training programs to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills. His company, Santos Aviation, plans to offer apprenticeships that will enable students to earn an Airframe License from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States.
Mr. Adesanya explained that the training program would involve collaborations with technical schools and polytechnics. The 18-month curriculum, certified by the FAA, will cover airframe mechanics and other specialized areas of aircraft maintenance. He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry experience.
Addressing Nigeria’s lack of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, Mr. Adesanya pointed out that many trained engineers struggle to find platforms to practice their skills. He stated that establishing an MRO at the Ogun Airport would ease congestion at Lagos airports and significantly boost the state’s economy.
He further highlighted Ogun State’s advantage as a viable alternative to Lagos for aviation expansion. With over four decades of industry experience, he has worked with Delta Airlines as an aircraft engineer and currently leads Santos Aviation Ltd. His company specializes in aircraft management, interior refurbishing, and global cargo operations, positioning it as a key player in advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The partnership between Ogun State and Santos Aviation holds great potential for advancing aviation training, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening economic development. By leveraging technology transfer in aviation careers, Ogun State can establish itself as a critical hub in Nigeria’s evolving aerospace industry.
