The Osubi Airport in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area near Effurun, Delta is set to undergo upgrades to meet international standards, as per the plans of the Federal Government.


The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, provided assurances to the Delta State community during the weekend that there are ongoing plans to elevate the Osubi Airport to international standards.

This disclosure was made during the inauguration of a newly constructed Police station situated at the Osubi Airport within the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta.

 The Honorable Minister, represented by his Special Advisor on Political Matters, Mr. Voke Oshasha, officially opened a new fuel depot at the airport.

In a press briefing following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Keyamo emphasized the project’s significance in improving airport safety and security. He commended the Osubi Airport Manager, Mr. Winston Egwuatu, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the high safety standards set by the Nigerian Airport Authority.

“The proposed initiative aims to improve the safety of airport passengers and the Osubi community as a whole. Concurrently, we are actively pursuing the expansion of Osubi Airport to meet international standards, which is an ongoing process,” the minister said.

The Osubi Airport Manager, Mr. Egwuatu, highlighted the urgent need for a physical police presence at the airport to address potential civil issues within and around the airport facilities. He emphasized that the construction of the Police station was funded entirely through the airport’s modest Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The completion of the Police station signifies the airport’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, stakeholders, concessionaires, and the airport’s host community.

Egwuatu expressed his gratitude to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for her invaluable support in ensuring the successful implementation of the Presidential directive on Osubi Airport.

He recalled that Osubi Airport was established in 1999 to facilitate exploration activities within the petroleum industry through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) structure between Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the Federal Government, with respective shareholdings of 55% and 45%.

“SPDC assumed ownership of 45% of the airport and operated it until 2015, when it divested its interest to Shoreline Oil Services Limited, an indigenous oil company.

“In February 2020, the federal government ordered the airport’s closure due to safety, security, and debt concerns, resulting in a 17-month shutdown.

“Acting on the directives of the then President, the former Minister of Aviation mandated FAAN and other relevant agencies to collaborate with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

“Interim management measures have been established by FAAN for the airport until a competent operator is appointed by the JV partners. Egwuatu stated, "In compliance with the federal government's directive, a team of 22 officers, led by me as the airport manager, has been deployed to commence operations on March 29, 2021."

Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, expressed her gratitude to the minister of aviation for the advancements made in the aviation sector.

Mrs. Kuku, represented by FAAN's General Manager of Operations, Mrs. Joke Olatunji, also praised the Osubi Airport Manager for the achievement, stating, "You have established a benchmark that I am confident other airports will strive to emulate."

The Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Mr. Isaiah Esiovwa, expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of the airport for their commendable project.

In response, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (retired), lauded the management for their transformative efforts at the Osubi Airport.

Represented by Chief Michael Affe, the royal father acknowledged the positive impact the airport has had on the lives of Delta residents.

“Previously, we were required to travel to Benin City in order to board a plane. The establishment of this airport has provided significant relief and numerous advantages to us. We sincerely hope that it will continue to expand in the future.” he said.