President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the Gateway International Airport and a major economic hub in Ogun State, describing the projects as significant milestones in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable growth and national prosperity.
Speaking during the event in Abeokuta, the President commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as a “remarkable vision” that has driven infrastructural and economic transformation in the state over the past seven years.
Tinubu said the projects commissioned along the state’s economic corridor reflect a strong commitment to national development, noting that Ogun State has increasingly become a model for subnational growth in Nigeria.
“I appreciate the opportunity to join you today in celebrating the remarkable vision of this governor and his predecessors,” the President said.
He explained that the newly commissioned infrastructure represents a major economic hub capable of boosting trade, attracting investment, and expanding industrial activities in the region.
The President also commended the people of Ogun State for their consistent support for government programmes, saying their cooperation has contributed significantly to the successes recorded so far.
Tinubu thanked residents for their continued belief in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring them that the party remains committed to people-focused development.
“Our investments are centred on our people. The infrastructure we see today reflects our confidence in the future of our country,” he stated.
The President acknowledged that ongoing macroeconomic reforms may be challenging for citizens but insisted that early indicators show positive outcomes for the national economy.
According to him, Nigeria is gradually moving away from years of economic mismanagement and is now on a path of recovery and long-term growth.
Tinubu disclosed that in addition to the airport, several other projects were virtually commissioned, including initiatives in the energy, gas and transportation sectors.
He said the projects were designed to impact multiple sectors and improve the quality of life for citizens across the country.
The President expressed satisfaction with the government’s focus on mobility, security and agriculture, describing them as critical pillars for national development.
Commenting on transportation, Tinubu noted that the introduction of modern mobility solutions, including new vehicles, signals a shift toward innovation and efficiency in the sector.
On security, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring Nigerians that the country would overcome its current security challenges.
“I assure you that we will continue to make progress. Nigeria is determined to be great,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the President’s presence at the event as historic and symbolic, saying it reflects strong federal support for subnational development.
The governor reaffirmed that Ogun State aligns fully with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is repositioning Nigeria for economic recovery and sustainable growth.
Abiodun also highlighted key federal reforms, including the unification of foreign exchange rates and the removal of fuel subsidy, describing them as bold steps that are restoring investor confidence in the country.
He said the reforms are already attracting capital inflows and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
The governor added that improvements in tax administration, digital governance and institutional strengthening were part of ongoing efforts to address structural challenges and stimulate economic growth.
Providing an overview of Ogun State’s economic performance, Abiodun disclosed that the state’s internally generated revenue had increased from about ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually within the past seven years.
He also said the state’s Gross Domestic Product had grown from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion within the same period, reflecting significant economic expansion.
Abiodun described the Gateway International Airport as a defining legacy project for the state, noting that it was constructed from the ground up with modern aviation facilities.
According to him, the airport features a nearly four-kilometre runway, advanced control systems and cargo-handling infrastructure aimed at boosting trade, logistics and regional connectivity.
The governor also announced the launch of Gateway Airlines, which he said would commence operations with Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft to strengthen regional air transportation.
He further revealed that over 1,600 kilometres of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated across the state to improve connectivity and access to key economic corridors.
In the housing sector, Abiodun said more than 7,000 affordable homes had been delivered, while over 140 primary healthcare centres and a 200-bed medical facility had also been completed.
He added that a 34-megawatt independent power project is currently strengthening energy supply across the state, alongside ongoing agricultural mechanisation initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government in driving development.
Akpabio noted that without proper legislative appropriation and cooperation, the scale of progress recorded in Ogun State would not have been possible.
He said federal reforms have improved revenue allocation to states, enabling them to execute major infrastructure projects, pay salaries and reduce reliance on borrowing.
The Senate President also highlighted ongoing efforts toward decentralisation in power and governance, which he said would give states greater control over their development.
Akpabio praised Tinubu for providing the platform for the reforms and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting the executive in sustaining development efforts across the country.
The event attracted dignitaries from across the federation and marked a significant milestone in Ogun State’s economic development as well as Nigeria’s broader national growth agenda.