The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has revealed that
the Muhammadu Buhari airport, Maiduguri has been upgraded to international status.
To this end, he added that the airport would commence international operation in January 2025.
The Minister made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Borno state Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum in his office in Abuja.
Keyamo described the North east, particularly Borno state as a commercial city that connects Nigeria with other countries.
He said: “The establishment of the 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 as international airport.”
The minister said that the level of wealth in Borno State is yet untapped, and with this development, North eastern Nigeria is set for economic revival.
Responding, Zulum expressed satisfaction on the new status the airport has attained.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and the entire Aviation sector for the uncommon transformation in the aviation sector.
He assured the minister that North East governors would provide the political will needed to ensure the smooth operation of the airport.
Zulum noted: “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”