The federal government has declared the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, Niger state, as an alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, announced on Tuesday during the inaugural commercial flight at the airport in Niger state.
According to a statement by Bologi Ibrahim, chief press secretary to the governor of Niger state, Keyamo said the decision was based on the standard facilities at the airport, including its runway, and its close proximity to Abuja.
He expressed surprise that the airport had remained underutilised despite being equipped with all the necessary international facilities.
The minister called on all relevant agencies to take note and collaborate to facilitate passenger processing in Minna whenever issues arise at the Abuja airport.
Keyamo commended the political will of Mohammed Bago, Niger state governor, describing his efforts as “squeezing water from stone”.
“It is the beginning of many other great things that will come to the state and the people,” he added.
He assured that the federal government would continue to back the state as it establishes itself as a key player in aeronautics.
Bago, in his remarks, attributed the milestone achievement to a collective effort.
He said the federal government’s declaration fulfils a long-standing vision of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and several other well-meaning individuals from the state.
The governor also pledged that the partnership between the Niger state government and Overland Airways would be maintained, particularly now that the airport serves as an alternative to the Abuja International Airport.
He said many projects would be carried out around the airport to showcase his administration’s strong commitment to aviation development.
The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and appreciated the role of Keyamo and other stakeholders in realising the vision.
Edward Boyo, managing director of Overland Airways, acknowledged Tinubu’s contributions to the aviation sector.
Boyo also commended Bago’s efforts in facilitating the launch of Overland’s flight operations in Minna, saying it is aimed at unlocking opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, power, and other sectors that will drive economic growth in the state.
In his remarks, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, described the airport as one of the best in Nigeria in terms of aeronautical facilities and a testament to strong collaboration between the state and federal governments.
Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Niger governor, urged Bago to remain focused on his people-centred governance agenda and pledged his continued support.
According to the statement, Bago led the ministers and other dignitaries to inspect the Hajj Terminal constructed by his administration.
“Commercial flight last operated in Minna during the administration of Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (2007 – 2015) but was not sustained,” the statement said.
On April 18, Keyamo announced that the Minna airport will resume flight operations on April 23.
