The General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri, Borno State, will commence full international flights from January 1, 2025, following a planned upgrade announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed the government’s commitment to enhancing the airport’s facilities during a one-day working visit to Maiduguri. Accompanied by a delegation of top aviation officials, Keyamo was welcomed by Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum.
“This milestone upgrade is positioned to not only enhance connectivity for the North East Zone but also to strengthen Maiduguri’s role in international air travel and cargo transportation,” the Minister stated.
The upgrade will position the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport as the first fully operational international airport in Nigeria’s North East region. Equipped with a world-class runway and state-of-the-art facilities, the airport aims to serve as a regional hub for cargo transportation, boosting economic activities across the zone and beyond.
Governor Zulum praised the Nigerian Government’s commitment to the project, highlighting its significance as a symbol of growth and resilience for the region. He assured full cooperation from the Borno State Government to ensure the successful launch of operations.
“The importance of this project is a symbol of growth and resilience for the region, noting that General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport is poised to be the first fully operational international airport in the North East Zone. With its world-class runway and state-of-the-art facilities, the airport will also serve as a regional cargo hub, offering critical support to the economy of the North East and beyond,” Zulum noted.
Keyamo was accompanied by key aviation stakeholders, including Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Engineer Farouk Umar, representing the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); and Mr. Balang, representing the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The Minister emphasised that the visit underscored the Nigerian Government’s dedication to improving Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, with a focus on regional development and economic inclusivity.
