The Oyo State Government has clarified that it is fully funding the reconstruction and upgrade of the Ibadan airport, contrary to claims made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Oyo State Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the state government made the clarification to set the record straight on the funding of the project. The statement described Wike's claim as false, reckless, and misleading.
Wike had claimed that the federal government had provided N50 billion to Oyo State for the reconstruction of the airport. However, the Oyo State Government has denied this claim, stating that the project was approved by President Bola Tinubu at no cost to the Federal Government. The government's statement emphasized that the records of the approval are with the presidency and the Oyo State Government.
The Oyo State Government has provided a comprehensive transformation of the Ibadan airport facility, including the expansion and strengthening of the runway, upgrade of the airfield lighting and navigational systems, and apron improvements. The government has also constructed supporting infrastructure such as the dualised Airport Road and enhanced aviation safety installations. Additionally, work is ongoing on a modern international terminal designed to significantly boost passenger and cargo capacity.
The state government has emphasized that every component of the upgrade has been executed and funded solely by Oyo State. The government has also urged public officials to exercise restraint and responsibility when making statements about government projects and finances. The Oyo State Government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and factual public communication.
The government's statement has dismissed Wike's claim as untrue and unfortunate, stating that it does not originate from any Federal Executive Council decision, presidential approval, or statutory aviation infrastructure process. The statement also emphasized that aviation infrastructure funding follows strict due-process channels involving the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other regulatory bodies.
The Oyo State Government has warned that misinformation, especially of this magnitude, can be used for political point-scoring or to distort public understanding of government finances. The government has therefore urged members of the public to disregard Wike's claim and instead rely on factual information.
In conclusion, the Oyo State Government has reiterated that the Federal Government did not provide any funding for the Ibadan airport upgrade. The government has emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability and has urged public officials to exercise responsibility when making statements about government projects and finances.
Key points
- The Oyo State Government has fully funded the reconstruction and upgrade of the Ibadan airport.
- The federal government did not provide any funding for the Ibadan airport upgrade.
- The Oyo State Government has denied claims made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that the federal government provided N50 billion for the project.
