By Peter Omopo
September 6, 2025 | Ibadan
The Oyo State Government has commenced the construction of a 400,000-litre elevated Braitwaite water tank at the Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade the facility to international standards.
The project was confirmed on Saturday in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, following an inspection meeting with engineers from the Oyo State Water Corporation.
According to the corporation’s Executive Chairman, Elias Adeojo, the water supply project is being executed in three phases. The first involves excavation of trenches for pipeline laying, while the second will cover welding and installation of pipelines across key points in the airport. The final phase will be the construction of the 400,000-litre elevated tank, designed to provide steady water supply through a gravity-based distribution system.
“All aspects of the project will run concurrently to ensure quality and timely delivery. The governor has shown strong commitment through sustained support, and we are determined to deliver this critical project,” Adeojo said, urging the engineers to maintain high standards.
Officials noted that the tank project will significantly improve water supply at the airport, supporting wider upgrades aimed at preparing it for international flight operations.
The airport’s upgrade, officially launched in September 2024 and accelerated after a temporary shutdown in March 2025, includes extending the runway from 2,400 to 3,000 metres, widening it from 45 to 60 metres to accommodate wide-body aircraft, and modernising airfield lighting and firefighting systems.
Commissioner Oyelade added that the international terminal is currently about 15 per cent complete and is expected to be ready by June 2026. He also reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s pledge that next year’s Hajj flight would depart from the upgraded Ibadan Airport.
“These upgrades reflect the government’s vision of transforming Ibadan Airport into a modern, internationally competitive facility that will boost domestic connectivity and open the state to global travel,” Oyelade stated.
