Federal Government of Nigeria has upgraded the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri to international status.
Minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo stated this during a courtesy visit by the Borno State governor, Babagana Umar Zulum in his office in Abuja on Monday.
Keyamo described North East Nigeria, particularly Borno State as a commercial city that connects Nigeria with other countries.
He said the airport will commence full operation as an international airport from January 1, 2025.
According to him, “Establishment of an international airport in Maiduguri is strategic to receive international flights coming in from the Middle East into this country, it has the capacity, it has the size, population and infrastructure to support an international airport”.
The minister said that the level of wealth in Borno State is yet untapped, and with this development north eastern Nigeria is set for economic revival.
The ministry head of press, Odutayo Oluseyi, said while speaking at the event, Zulum expressed satisfaction on the new status the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguguri has attained.
He commended President Bola Tinubu, the minister and the entire aviation sector for the uncommon transformation in the aviation sector.
He assured the minister that North East governors will provide the political will needed to ensure the smooth operation of the airport.
According to him, “The services in the sector have improved, anyone can attest to that, in terms of safety the sector has experienced development and growth, I have seen efforts the Nigeria government is making for a better aviation industry”.
Zulum requested that the Nigerian government expedite action to ensure Nigeria has her own air-carrier which will serve the interest of Nigerians.
(Leadership)
