By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has assured the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Mr. Festus Keyamo, of his administration’s support as the ministry announced plans to upgrade the Muhammadu Buhari Airport in Maiduguri to international status.
Zulum provided this assurance on Monday during a visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Bundi.
“As the chairman of the Northeast Governors’ Forum, and since this is our first international airport, I want to assure you of the political will needed to ensure the implementation of this laudable initiative,” Zulum stated.
The governor emphasized that Maiduguri, being a gateway for many countries around Lake Chad and Central Africa, would stimulate economic development in the northeastern region through the airport upgrade.
Earlier, the aviation minister confirmed that Muhammadu Buhari Airport would officially operate as a full international airport starting January 1, 2025. He noted that all preparations for the launch have been concluded, and relevant government agencies have been notified of the development.
The minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the airport’s upgrade, highlighting that the Northeast is the only geopolitical zone in the country without a full international airport.
Zulum was accompanied on the visit by Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and Kaka Shehu Lawan, who represent Borno South, North, and Central, respectively.
Borno APC Chairman Hon. Bello Ayuba, Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly Engr. Abdullahi Musa Askira, and other senior government officials also attended the visit.
