From Sola Ojo, Abuja
In a major boost to Nigeria’s aviation industry, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has upgraded Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Buhari Airport to international status.
This strategic move is set to transform North East Nigeria into a commercial hub, connecting the country with the Middle East and beyond, Head,Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi, said in a statement on Monday.
According to him, Minister in charge of the ministry, Mr. Festus Keyamo, stated this during a courtesy visit by the Borno state Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum in his office in Abuja.
He said his Principal described North-East Nigeria particularly Borno state as a commercial city that connects Nigeria with other countries, quickly added that the airport would commence full operation as international airport from January 1, 2025.
“Establishment of international airport in Maiduguri is strategic to receive international flights coming in from Middle East into this Country, it has the capacity, it has the size, population and infrastructure to support as international airport”, Odutayo quoted Keyamo.
He str ssed further that Governor Zulum expressed satisfaction on the new status the Muhammed Buhari Airport, Maiduguguri has attained, commending President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and the entire Aviation sector for the uncommon transformation in the aviation sector.
He said the governor assured the Minister that North-East governors would provide the political will needed to ensure the smooth operation of the airport.
“The services in the sector has 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”, Odutayo quoted Zulum.