Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) conducted a one-day working visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital to facilitate discussion on the forthcoming upgrade of General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri.
The visit was to intimate stakeholders with efforts made to enable the airport commence full international flight operations by January 1, 2025.
A statement by spokesperson to the Minister, Tunde Moshood also said, ‘”the Minister’s visit reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s aviation landscape, supporting economic growth, and promoting accessibility for all regions. As the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport prepares to open new doors for international travel and trade, the collaboration between the Federal and Borno State governments sets the stage for a future of prosperity and progress in the North East.
The visit, Moshood insisted served as a critical platform for the Minister and stakeholders to address logistical considerations to 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.”
He continued, “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.”
In his address at the meeting Keyamo emphasized the importance of the project as a symbol of growth and resilience for the region.
He added, “the 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
The Honourable Minister’s visit reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s aviation landscape, supporting economic growth, and promoting accessibility for all regions. As the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport prepares to open new doors for international travel and trade, the collaboration between the Federal and Borno State governments sets the stage for a future of prosperity and progress in the North East.
The Minister who was accompanied by Chief Executives from key aviation agencies, amongst who are the managing director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Umar, the Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo who was represented by Engr. Balang and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), was received by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
Other stakeholders on ground to receive the Minister and his entourage were officials of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) amongst others.
During the meeting, Governor Zulum expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Keyamo, whose ccommitments and visionary leadership have 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.
