November 15, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday led a high-powered delegation to Maiduguri, Borno State, to finalise plans for upgrading the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport to full international status.
Keyamo was accompanied by the heads of key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku; Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Umar; and representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The team was also joined by critical stakeholders, including officials from Customs, DSS, Immigration, NDLEA, and other agencies.
They were received by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
The upgrade of the airport is expected to commence international operations by January 1, 2025.
The project is designed to boost connectivity for the North East region and position Maiduguri as a key player in international air travel and cargo transportation.
Speaking during the meeting, Zulum thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Keyamo and lauded the Minister’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He pledged the Borno State Government’s full support to ensure the airport meets the January 2025 operational deadline.
“We are committed to collaborating with the Federal Government to see this project succeed.
“This development will play a pivotal role in the economic revitalization of the North East,” he said.
In his remarks, Keyamo described the project as a beacon of growth and resilience for the North East.
“The General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport will be the first fully operational international airport in the North East.
“With its world-class runway and state-of-the-art facilities, it will also serve as a cargo hub, bolstering economic activities in the region and beyond,” he stated.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
The visit also provided a platform for the Minister and stakeholders to address logistical challenges and ensure a smooth transition to international operations.
Discussions centred on aligning resources, improving facilities, and strengthening partnerships between the Federal and Borno State governments.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
