The Federal Government has officially upgraded Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Buhari Airport to international status, with full international operations set to begin in January 2025.
This was disclosed on Monday in a release signed by the Director of Press for the Minister of Aviation, Odutayo Oluseyi.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, stated that northeastern Nigeria, particularly Borno State, is a vital commercial hub that links Nigeria to other countries.
He announced that the airport will begin full international operations on January 1, 2025.
“The establishment of an international airport in Maiduguri is strategic for receiving international flights coming in from the Middle East into this country. It has the capacity, size, population, and infrastructure to support an international airport,” Keyamo stated.
He added that the economic potential of Borno State remains largely untapped and that this upgrade sets the region on a path towards economic revitalisation.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who is also the Chairman of the North East Governors Forum, expressed his satisfaction with the new status of the airport.
He commended the Federal Government for its efforts in transforming the aviation sector and assured that the governors in the region would provide political support for the smooth operation of the upgraded facility.
“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 the efforts the Nigerian government is making for a better aviation industry,” Zulum said.
The governor also called on the Federal Government to expedite the establishment of a national air carrier to serve the interests of Nigerians.
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