Businesses, investors and government officials travelling between Nigeria’s political capital and Ogun State’s rapidly expanding commercial and industrial corridor can now access a faster air connection, following the commencement of a daily service by ValueJet in partnership with Gateway Air, the Ogun State-owned airline.
The new Abuja–Lagos–Gateway service links the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, via Lagos, providing travellers with a more convenient alternative to the often lengthy road journey into the state.
The service is designed to enable passengers travelling from Abuja to maximise their time in Ogun State, with the early-morning schedule allowing sufficient time for business meetings, industrial site inspections, government appointments, personal engagements and other activities before returning.
The partnership combines Gateway Air’s mandate to strengthen Ogun State’s air connectivity with ValueJet’s operational experience and domestic network, creating a regular link between the Federal Capital Territory and one of Nigeria’s most economically active states.
Speaking on the service, ValueJet Managing Director, Omololu Majekodunmi, said the schedule was developed with the needs of travellers with demanding itineraries in mind.
“Our daily Abuja–Lagos–Gateway service is about giving our passengers their day back. With the option to fly five days a week, whether you are travelling for business or personal engagements in Ogun State and its environs, the service provides a route that fits around a busy schedule,” he said.
The Ogun State Government said the service reflects its broader efforts to respond to the growing demand for efficient air transportation among residents, businesses and visitors.
Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, said the state administration, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, would continue to review the airline’s operations to ensure that its schedule and fleet respond effectively to passenger demand.
“Gateway Air services speak to the growing demand of residents, businesses, and visitors in Ogun State for air connectivity to major commercial and population centres across the country,” Dairo said.
“His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has therefore directed that the airline continually review and optimise its schedule and fleet size in response to the needs, requirements, and expectations of travellers.”
Ogun State has increasingly established itself as a major economic corridor, with a strong concentration of manufacturing companies, industrial estates, agricultural enterprises, logistics operations, real estate developments and free trade zones.
Its strategic proximity to Lagos, coupled with the presence of major industrial and commercial clusters across the state, has generated increasing movement of investors, corporate executives, professionals, government officials and other travellers.
Against this backdrop, regular commercial flights into Gateway International Airport offer an additional transportation option for passengers accessing the state, particularly those travelling from Abuja and other locations where road journeys could consume several hours.
The new connection also strengthens the role of Gateway International Airport as an important gateway to Ogun State’s expanding economy, potentially supporting faster movement of people and facilitating greater interaction between the state’s business community and institutions in Abuja.
For ValueJet, the partnership forms part of its broader strategy of supporting strategic state-level aviation initiatives while expanding its domestic and regional footprint.
Beyond its domestic operations, the airline has developed operational partnerships and regional services to destinations including Accra and Banjul, with further expansion planned to Libreville and other markets.
Recent fleet additions, including Boeing 737NG and CRJ-series aircraft, are also expected to provide additional capacity as ValueJet expands its operations and supports the growth of services across Gateway Air’s network and its wider route portfolio.