Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has unveiled plans to introduce dedicated bus shuttle and car hire services to improve access and passenger convenience at the Gateway International Airport, located along the Iperu-Ilishan axis of the state.

The governor made the disclosure on Thursday, shortly before boarding a ValueJet commercial flight to Abuja, noting that the initiative forms part of his administration’s strategy to ensure seamless movement to and from the airport for both passengers and their luggage.

“We are going to ensure that we have convenient bus transportation from major cities and towns. There will be a bus service that will leave at a particular time to conveniently bring passengers from places like Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro, and others to the airport on time,” Governor Abiodun stated.

He added that plans were also at an advanced stage to establish car hire operations within the airport premises, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to continuous infrastructure and service development around the facility.

Speaking on the airport’s growing reputation since the commencement of commercial operations, the governor expressed pride in how the project has earned both domestic and international validation, describing it as a dream come true.

“There is nothing more fulfilling than when you have a vision and see that vision come to fruition. This place was a complete forest, and most people did not believe in it, but we believed in it — and now the missing link in our multi-modal transport master plan is in place. You can come to Ogun State by road, by rail, and by air,” he said.

Among passengers on the fully booked ValueJet flight was the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe, Oba Olufolarin Ogunbanwo, who lauded the project as a monumental legacy that would transform the region’s economic landscape.

“The airport has saved me the rigors of traveling to Lagos to catch a flight. It is of international standard and will open up massive opportunities in investment, tourism, and employment,” the monarch said, commending Governor Abiodun for “writing his name in marble.”

The Gateway International Airport, which recently commenced commercial operations, is being positioned as a major aviation and logistics hub for southwestern Nigeria — a cornerstone in Ogun State’s broader multi-modal transport and investment agenda.