Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has pledged his administration’s full support for the federal government’s plan to upgrade the Muhammadu Buhari Airport in Maiduguri to international status. The governor made the commitment during a visit to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace in Abuja, where he met with the Minister, Festus Keyamo.
Governor Zulum highlighted the strategic importance of Maiduguri as a gateway to neighboring Lake Chad and Central African countries. He emphasized that transforming the airport would significantly boost economic development in the northeast region.
“As the Chairman of the Northeast Governors’ Forum, and with this being our first international airport, I want to assure you of the political will needed to implement this laudable initiative,” Zulum stated.
In response, Minister Keyamo confirmed that preparations for the airport’s upgrade are in the final stages, with plans for it to commence international operations by January 1, 2025. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the upgrade, noting that the Northeast is the only region in Nigeria without a full international airport.
Governor Zulum was accompanied by Borno Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and Kaka Shehu Lawan, along with other top officials, during the visit.
