The General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, is set to commence full international operations by January 1, 2025.

This border upgrade is positioned not only to improve connectivity for the North East Zone but also to strengthen Maiduguri’s role in international air travel and cargo transportation.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who recently visited the airport to facilitate vital discussions on the future upgrade, was accompanied by CEOs of key aviation agencies.

Some of the CEOs include Olubunmi Kuku, Director General of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Farouk Umar, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); Chris Najomo, DG of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), ably represented by Balang and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The Minister and the Directors General paid an essential one-day working visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The delegation, which included other key stakeholders such as Customs, DSS, Immigration, NDLEA and others, was warmly received by Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State.

During the meeting, Governor Zulum expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Keyamo, whose commitment and visionary leadership has significantly contributed to the advancements in the aviation sector since his appointment.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Borno State Government to fully collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure the successful launch of the operations on the planned date.

The Minister of Aviation, while addressing the assembled stakeholders, emphasized the importance of this project as a symbol of growth and resilience for the region, noting that the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport is poised to be the first fully operational international airport in the North East Zone. .

With its world-class runway and state-of-the-art facilities, the airport will also serve as a regional cargo hub, providing critical support to the economy of the North East and beyond.

The visit served as a platform for the Minister and stakeholders to address logistical considerations and ensure a smooth transition to international operations.

He also underlined the federal government’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure with a focus on regional development and national cohesion.