KEY POINTS
- Maiduguri airport is set to begin international flights in January 1, 2025.
- Tinubu received praise from Keyamo for authorizing the airport upgrade.
- Governor Zulum points out the way airports have been pivotal in spurring regional growth.
The Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri, Borno State, will begin international operations at the beginning of the New Year, January 1, 2025, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated.
The development was revealed by Keyamo after a meeting with Borno’s Governor Babagana Zulum at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja.
In addition, preparations for the upgrade of the airport have been completed, he said, and relevant agencies have been informed about the upcoming launch.
An intentional effort towards regional connectivity
Keyamo expressed gratitude to the President Bola Tinubu for approving the upgrade, as the North East was the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria without now an international airport.
According to Vanguard, “The international airport that will be located in Maiduguri would be strategic because it will allow for flights from the Middle East and other parts of the world,” Keyamo said. “Maiduguri has the capacity, the size, the population and the infrastructure to support international operations, so Maiduguri is very important gateway if you’re trying to get into that region.”
According to Zulum, who also chairs the Northeast Governors’ Forum, the airport is expected to spur economic growth and enhance connectivity to the rest of the region.
Protection pledged in northeast governors support joint action
Furthermore the minister was assured by Zulum on the political will needed to launch the international operations successfully. He said the upgraded airport will transform regional connectivity and facilitate development of business and economic zones.
Keyamo’s transformation of the aviation sector, has seen the services in the sector improve significantly; the governor commented. The government has worked hand in hand with the sector to upscale safety, infrastructure and service delivery.”
Aligning with the federal government’s long term plan to maximize regional connectivity and boost economic growth, the Muhammadu Buhari Airport is set to host operations from the other parts of the world.
