Paul Akomolehin, South West
DAILY COURIER — Ogun State recorded a significant boost to its aviation and industrial ambitions on Thursday with the visit of senior executives from Dassault Aviation, a global leader in aerospace technology and innovation. The team from the French aerospace giant was received by Governor Dapo Abiodun, as discussions began on the possibility of establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport.
The announcement was made by Governor Abiodun via his official Facebook page, where he described the visit as a "significant step forward" in positioning the state as a key player in regional and continental aviation infrastructure.
Governor Abiodun noted that the potential investment by Dassault Aviation is not just a milestone for Ogun State but an endorsement of the vision behind the Gateway Airport and its adjoining Aerotropolis. He said the airport was designed as a world-class facility meant to serve not only Nigeria but the entire West African sub-region and beyond.
"This potential investment is more than a milestone; it is a resounding endorsement of the increasing appeal of the Gateway Airport and Aerotropolis," the governor wrote. "It reflects Ogun State’s growing reputation as a prime destination for global capital."
If established, the MRO facility would become one of the few in Africa capable of servicing both military and civilian aircraft, significantly reducing downtime for operators and positioning Ogun as a central hub in the aviation value chain.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that the state’s business-friendly policies, modern infrastructure, and strategic location continue to attract forward-thinking investors. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth.
"With a business-friendly government, modern infrastructure, and strategic proximity to key markets, we continue to provide a truly enabling environment for investors," he added.
The Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, located in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, is one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the Abiodun administration. In recent months, it has attracted interest from logistics companies, airlines, and global investors, positioning Ogun State as a new frontier in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
Industry stakeholders have hailed the engagement with Dassault as a potential game-changer, likely to bring advanced aerospace technologies and jobs to the state, while further anchoring Nigeria’s regional dominance in air transportation and services.
Governor Abiodun concluded by reaffirming his vision to transform Ogun State into a continental leader in aviation and industrial innovation, underlining the importance of global partnerships in achieving that goal.
