After the initial flight evaluations were completed, Miri Selzing, the Manager of Flight Calibration Services at NAMA, clarified that the main goal of this exercise was to thoroughly assess the proposed flight procedures tailored for the airport and confirm their compliance with international aviation standards.
Selzing emphasized the methodical nature of the process, stating, “Our purpose for coming here is to check the proposed procedures that have been defined for the airport. This is a significant process and not something that can be concluded in a short time. Our visit is the beginning of the validation of the procedure. We have reviewed the procedures that have been drawn up, checked them in the air, and we will analyse them when we get back to our base. From there, we will be able to come up with recommendations and modifications where necessary.”
Despite the ongoing validation process, Selzing offered a positive initial assessment of the airport's physical infrastructure. “But physically, the airport looks very good. The runway, about four kilometres long—the longest in the country—is very impressive. The airport has a good terminal building; everything is fine, so it is a great job being done here,” he commended.
The NAMA Manager lauded the Ogun State government for its swift establishment of such an impressive aviation facility and further recommended the installation of a crucial Instrument Landing System (ILS) along with other vital navigational instruments. These additions would significantly enhance flight movements and safety at the airport, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Selzing expressed optimism that the ongoing validation of procedures would pave the way for aircraft to begin utilizing the airport for arrivals, stating his hope that "with the level of work done, it would soon become a destination for aeroplanes." He also highlighted the airport's strategic advantages, noting, “The runway is long and large enough to accommodate any type of aircraft. The airport would handle diversions from Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin.”
“We commend the Ogun State government for such a laudable project, and we are prepared to assist as more facilities are installed at the airport,” the NAMA official added, underscoring the agency's commitment to supporting the airport's operational readiness.
Also commenting on the progress, the Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, confirmed that the NAMA team had successfully conducted the "23 and the 05" checks and identified the crucial "waypoint." He further explained that upon the finalization of the flight check, the validated procedures would be developed and made readily accessible online for aviation stakeholders.
“This is one of the last elements we need to address to obtain commercial approval,” Commissioner Akinsanya noted, highlighting the significance of this NAMA exercise in the overall certification process.
Providing an update on the airport's overall completion status, the Works Commissioner stated that while airport development is typically an ongoing endeavor globally, the Gateway International Airport has reached an impressive 97 per cent completion mark. He affirmed that essential infrastructure, including the control tower, air traffic control (ATC) officers, firefighters, and other necessary facilities, are already in place, signaling the state's strong commitment to bringing the airport fully online for commercial operations.