The Ekiti State Government has initiated a large-scale recruitment drive at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, a strategic move aimed at enhancing its operational capacity and reinforcing its logistics and export functions. This hiring campaign marks a critical step as the state prepares the airport for full-scale commercial operations and 24-hour flight services.
In a recently issued public notice, the government detailed available job positions across multiple departments. The recruitment targets both fresh graduates and experienced professionals, offering employment in aviation security, emergency firefighting, engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, and airside/landside operations.
This move not only reflects Ekiti’s commitment to expanding infrastructure but also represents a significant investment in job creation and economic development.
Broad Range of Roles Now Open for Application
Aviation Security Executive
Applicants must hold an OND, HND, or BSc in any discipline. These professionals will take responsibility for manning access control points, patrolling restricted zones, passenger profiling, gathering intelligence, controlling crowds, and providing emergency response services.
They are also expected to prevent unauthorized vehicle parking at airport drop-off zones and report or apprehend individuals involved in illegal activities.
Aviation Security Supervisor
To qualify, candidates must possess an HND or BSc and have at least three years of aviation-related experience. This role involves deploying security teams, scheduling duties, and coordinating the processing and transfer of detained individuals in collaboration with security agencies.
Firefighting Executive (ARFFS)
Candidates must meet minimum height requirements—5 feet 9 inches for men and 5 feet 4 inches for women—and hold a relevant OND, HND, or BSc. Their responsibilities include operating firefighting and rescue vehicles, conducting emergency drills, performing regular fire checks, and adhering to national and international aviation safety standards.
Aircraft Marshallers
Applicants must have an OND and meet the required height standards. They must be proficient in two-way radio communications and work collaboratively with airlines, contractors, and airport employees to direct aircraft on the tarmac efficiently and safely.
Airside and Landside Operations Officers
This role is open to individuals with at least an OND. Applicants must be physically and medically fit. Their primary duties include ensuring a smooth flow of passengers and luggage, preventing baggage delays, and identifying safety hazards within the terminal and other airport facilities.
Safety Officers
Candidates should hold an OND, HND, or BSc and have a minimum of two years of professional experience. Familiarity with ICAO Annex 19 is required. These officers are responsible for inspecting fire safety systems, monitoring fire extinguishers, and conducting regular safety inspections in high-risk airport areas, including the runway, apron, control tower, and terminals.
Account Officers
Applicants must have a BSc in Accounting and at least two years of relevant experience. Those with additional qualifications, such as ICAN or ACCA, will have an advantage. Responsibilities include managing billing systems, issuing invoices, maintaining account records, and reconciling daily revenues for bank deposits.
HR and Administrative Officers
This position requires a BSc in any of the social sciences, along with two years of post-qualification experience. A CIPM certification is an added benefit. HR officers will manage employee training, address workplace concerns, coordinate benefit programs, and ensure effective communication of organizational policies.
Civil Engineers
To qualify, candidates must hold either a B.Eng or HND in Civil Engineering with a minimum of two years’ experience. Engineers will design and oversee airport infrastructure such as runways, drainage systems, taxiways, and apron areas. All construction must comply with aviation standards and regulatory codes.
HVAC Technicians
These technicians must hold at least a high school diploma and have five years of hands-on experience in HVAC systems. Their responsibilities include installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting heating and cooling systems, performing preventive maintenance, and ensuring system reliability.
Information Technology (IT) Officers
Applicants must hold a BSc in Computer Science and have a minimum of two years of work experience. IT professionals will develop long-term strategies for the airport’s technology infrastructure, manage new system rollouts, and ensure all IT services comply with aviation standards.
Application Guidelines and Submission Deadline
All applications must be sent via email to jobs.airport@ekitistate.gov.ng, with the job title clearly stated in the email’s subject line. The government emphasized that only shortlisted candidates will receive further correspondence. The application window remains open for one week following the publication of the job notice.
Airport Background: Growth Rooted in Strategic Vision
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport project officially began in 2020. It took a major leap forward when, on October 15, 2022, the airport successfully hosted its first test flight. A Nigerian Air Force aircraft safely landed on the newly completed runway, confirming the facility’s basic airworthiness.
Later, in December 2024, the airport obtained provisional clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), authorizing non-scheduled flight operations. In January 2025, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency conducted a successful calibration flight, further certifying the airport’s operational capabilities.
Currently, the airport stands in its final stages of development, with commercial passenger and cargo flights expected to commence once regulatory agencies issue full certification and install the Instrument Landing System (ILS), which enables safe 24-hour flight operations.
The state government has committed close to ₦4.6 billion to the ILS installation, a move intended to position the airport among the few in Nigeria capable of handling round-the-clock air traffic. Officials anticipate that the system will be fully operational before the end of the year.
Economic Significance: A New Gateway for Growth
Job Creation at Scale
This recruitment campaign forms a critical part of Ekiti’s broader employment strategy. Beyond direct hires, airport operations are projected to support over a thousand indirect jobs in areas such as cargo handling, hospitality, transportation, food services, and logistics. Once full operations begin, these numbers are expected to grow significantly.
Strengthening the Agro-Export Chain
As its name suggests, the airport serves a unique purpose—it will function as a specialized agro-allied export terminal. This focus allows Ekiti farmers and agribusinesses to ship fresh produce to international markets faster, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing export revenues. The facility’s proximity to agricultural zones makes it ideal for perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and livestock products.
Expanding Regional Aviation Infrastructure
With 24-hour service on the horizon, the airport will become one of the few regional hubs outside Lagos capable of handling night flights and wide-body aircraft. Its capacity to support both cargo and passenger traffic positions Ekiti as a strategic point for national and international connectivity.
What Lies Ahead: A Path to Commercial Aviation
As the airport completes the final phases of regulatory approval, Ekiti State officials remain optimistic. They expect the facility to become a thriving hub for aviation, export, and tourism. Discussions are ongoing with multiple domestic and regional airlines regarding commercial flight partnerships. Once agreements are in place and safety systems fully installed, full operations will commence.
Final Thoughts
This latest hiring wave at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport underscores the state’s ambitious vision for inclusive growth. By recruiting skilled professionals across aviation, security, engineering, IT, and management, the government is laying the groundwork for a future-ready air transport facility.
As commercial operations near launch, this recruitment drive will not only empower Ekiti’s aviation infrastructure but also drive job creation, boost agribusiness, and elevate the state’s profile as a regional economic force.
If you’re a qualified candidate eager to be part of this aviation transformation, now is the time to act.
