The Federal Government, in partnership with the Borno State Government, is set to upgrade the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri to international status, with operations expected to begin by January 1, 2025.
The announcement followed a working visit to Maiduguri by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside top officials from key aviation agencies, including FAAN, NAMA, NCAA, and NiMet. Other stakeholders, such as the Nigeria Customs Service, DSS, Immigration, and NDLEA, were also part of the delegation, which met with Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
In a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the project aims to enhance connectivity across the North East and establish Maiduguri as a regional hub for international travel and cargo operations.
During the meeting, Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the project and praised Minister Keyamo for his leadership in advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector. Zulum assured the Federal Government of Borno State’s full cooperation to ensure the timely completion of the project.
Keyamo highlighted the significance of the upgrade, describing it as a milestone for the North East region. He emphasized that the airport’s state-of-the-art facilities would strengthen the local economy, boost trade, and promote regional cohesion.
The visit also addressed logistical concerns to ensure a smooth transition to international operations, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving aviation infrastructure nationwide.
