In a major boost to Nigeria’s aviation industry, the federal government has upgraded Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Buhari Airport to international status.
The move, considered strategic by aviation stakeholders, 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 to his office in Abuja.
Keyamo was quoted as describing North-East Nigeria, particularly Madiduguri, the Borno State capital, as a commercial city that connects Nigeria with other countries, adding that the airport would commence full operation as an international airport from January 1, 2025.
“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,” Odutayo quoted Keyamo as stressing.
According to Odutayo, Governor Zulum expressed satisfaction with the new status the Muhammadu 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.
