Ken Okeke
A new multimillion-naira Jet A1 aviation fuel depot at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan has commenced full operation providing aircraft operators flying into Nigeria’s South-West a major operational lift.
The facility, built and operated by BOVAS Oil and Gas Limited, now allows aircraft to refuel directly at the airport, ending the long-standing dependence on fuel haulage from outside Ibadan and cutting delays that often slowed flight operations.
The impact of the depot came into sharp focus during a courtesy visit by the airport’s management team to BOVAS.
The Airport Manager, Mr. Gbenga Afuwape, described the project as a timely intervention that has already reduced aircraft turnaround time, lowered operating costs for airlines and guaranteed steady access to aviation fuel.
He noted that since flights resumed at the airport, BOVAS has been supplying Jet A1 to Air Peace and other operators, positioning Ibadan to handle increased traffic and expanded commercial activity.
The Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas, Dr. Victoria Samson, welcomed the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting aviation growth in Ibadan and across the country.
She said BOVAS is ready to deepen its partnership with the airport as it pursues its expansion plans.
Airport authorities also signalled more activity ahead, revealing that the Oyo State Government is working to commence Hajj operations from Ibadan this year, a move expected to further boost fuel demand.
The anticipated return of Green Africa Airways, they added, would also strengthen passenger traffic and the airport’s commercial viability.
Both the airport management and BOVAS agreed to sustain their collaboration, pledging closer partnership to improve service delivery, strengthen operations and drive shared growth at the Ibadan airport.