Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has announced plans to upgrade the General Muhammadu Buhari Airport to begin international flights by January 2025.
The Minister said the government will continue to support economic growth, and promote accessibility for all regions in the country.
The Minister disclosed this during a one-day working visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital in Northeast Nigeria. The delegation was received by Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State Governor.
The visit facilitated vital discussions on the forthcoming upgrade of the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, a project aimed at enabling the airport to commence full international operations by January 1, 2025.
“This milestone upgrade is positioned to not only enhance connectivity for the North East Zone but also to strengthen Maiduguri’s role in international air travel and cargo transportation.”
Keyamo was accompanied by Chief Executives from key aviation agencies, including the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engineer Farouk Umar, the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo represented by Mr Balang and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) among other aviation Stakeholders.
Advancement
During the meeting, Governor Zulum expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Keyamo, whose commitment and visionary leadership has contributed significantly to advancements within the aviation sector since his appointment.
The Governor reaffirmed the Borno State Government’s commitment to collaborating fully with the Federal Government to ensure the successful launch of operations on the planned date.
“The importance of this project is a symbol of growth and resilience for the region, noting that General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport is poised to be the first fully operational international airport in the North East Zone. With its world-class runway and state-of-the-art facilities, the airport will also serve as a regional cargo hub, offering critical support to the economy of the North East and beyond.”
The visit served as a platform for the Minister and stakeholders to address logistical considerations and ensure a seamless transition to international operations.
It also underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, with a focus on regional development and national cohesion.
“Our visit shows the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s aviation landscape, supporting economic growth, and promoting accessibility for all regions. As General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport prepares to open new doors for international travel and trade, the collaboration between the Federal government and Borno State governments sets the stage for a future of prosperity and progress in the North East.”
Hauwa Abubakar
Comments are closed.