“Approved at no cost to the Federal Government” was President Bola Tinubu’s minute on the proposal submitted to him by Governor Seyi Makinde for the reconstruction and upgrade of the Ibadan airport.
The records as stated above are with the presidency just as they are with the Oyo State Government.
This clarification became necessary in the light of a false and provocative statement made on a television station on Monday by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike that the president had “settled” Oyo State with N50 billion for the reconstruction of the airport.
In line with the approval granted by the Federal Government, which clearly stated that the airport upgrade would be undertaken at no cost to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government has fully financed a comprehensive transformation of the facility. This includes the expansion and strengthening of the runway, upgrade of the airfield lighting and navigational systems, apron improvements, construction of supporting infrastructure such as the dualised Airport Road, enhanced aviation safety installations, and ongoing work on a modern international terminal designed to significantly boost passenger and cargo capacity.
Every component of the upgrade has been executed and funded solely by Oyo State.
Wike’s Statement is both untrue and unfortunate. He should have sought knowledge on the matter before going on air.
Mr. Wike’s assertion does not originate from any Federal Executive Council decision, presidential approval, or statutory aviation infrastructure process. It is not an official communication of the Federal Government. It is not backed by documentation. It is not grounded in fact. It is a claim made without responsibility and without regard for the truth, and should therefore be disregarded by members of the public.
Aviation infrastructure funding follows strict due‑process channels involving the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other regulatory bodies. These channels are transparent, traceable, and publicly verifiable. None of them reflects the figure Mr. Wike has circulated.
The Oyo State Government will not allow misinformation, especially one of this magnitude, to be weaponised for political point‑scoring or used to distort public understanding of government finances. The claim is not only false; it is reckless, misleading, and capable of eroding public trust if left unchallenged.
Let it be stated unambiguously: The Federal Government did not give Oyo State ₦50 billion for the Ibadan Airport upgrade. Any suggestion to the contrary is a fabrication and a lie from the pit of hell.
The Oyo State Government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and factual public communication. We urge public officials to exercise restraint and responsibility, and to refrain from making unfounded statements that misinform citizens and politicise development efforts.
Signed
Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor of Oyo State
September 22, 2026.
