Sam Kayode
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has assured the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, of his administration’s support as the ministry announced plan to upgrade the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri, to international status.
Zulum gave the assurance on Monday during a visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
“As the chairman of northeast Governor’s and this is our first International Airport, I want to assure you of the political will needed to ensure the implementation of this laudable stride,” Zulum said.
The Governor emphasised that Maiduguri being a gateway for most countries around Lake Chad and Central Africa, would stimulate economic development in the northeast region by upgrading the airport accordingly.
Speaking earlier, the aviation Minister assured the delegation that the Muhammadu Buhari Airport would take off as a full International Airport on January 1, 2025, noting that all the takeoff preparations have been concluded and that relevant government agencies have been notified of the development.
The Minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the upgrade of Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri, adding that of all the geopolitical zones, only the northeast is yet to have an airport of International status.
Zulum was accompanied on the visit by Senators Mohammed Ndume, Mohammed Monguno, and Kaka Shehu, who are representatives of Borno South, North and Central, respectively.
Borno APC Chairman Bello Ayuba, Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Askira and other senior government officials were also present at the visit.