The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said that the federal government has approved the upgrade of the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri, to a full-fledged International Airport.
The minister disclosed that the airport will commence international operations by January 1, 2024.
Keyamo announced these in a tweet on X, seen by NewsNGR.
Keyamo said, “His Excellency Prof. Umara Babagana Zulum , the Executive Governor of Borno State , together with distinguished Senators from Borno State and other stakeholders, paid a working visit to my office yesterday where I formally announced the upgrade of Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri, to a full-fledged International Airport, with international operations set to begin on January 1, 2025.”
The minister further announced that a delegation from the International Air Transport Association, IATA led by Kamil Awadhi, paid him a visit where they discussed issues around the industry.
He said, “They expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s effort in clearing the back-log of trapped funds of international airlines with the CBN.
“The delegation also expressed their wish to offer their services to the Ministry in respect of the planned concession of some airports in Nigeria through public-private partnerships (PPP) because of their vast experience in this area, an offer I gladly welcomed, stating that it was a badge of honor for the Nigeria.
“Mr. Awadhi acknowledged our remarkable achievements, highlighting that what we have accomplished in one year typically takes a decade to achieve.”