Yobe State Cargo Airport Set to Begin Operations
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
December 13, 2024
In a significant development for the economy of Yobe State, the Yobe Cargo Airport, also known as Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, is poised to begin full operations. A high-level delegation from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) visited the state to inspect the airport’s service levels and review preparations for its commercial, local, and international operations.
The visit, which marks a pivotal milestone for the airport, was aimed at assessing the readiness of the facility to handle cargo operations and contribute to Nigeria’s logistics infrastructure. The FAAN delegation was warmly received by the state’s Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Mohammad Mohammad Bara, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, and the entire management team of the Ministry of Transport and Energy.
During the visit, Commissioner Bara revealed that preparations for the airport’s full operational launch were in their advanced stages, including finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FAAN for the seamless commencement of operations. The MoU will formalize the collaboration and ensure that all necessary logistics, security measures, and operational protocols are in place for the successful opening of the airport.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam expressed deep appreciation for the FAAN team’s historic visit. He highlighted the crucial efforts of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration in ensuring the airport’s readiness, acknowledging that the project has long been a vision for boosting both regional and international trade in the region.
The commencement of operations at the Yobe Cargo Airport is expected to significantly enhance the economic landscape of the state and the broader northeastern region. The facility is not only set to improve the ease of trade but will also create job opportunities and bolster regional development by improving access to international markets.
Once operational, the airport will serve as a major logistics hub, offering crucial links for the transportation of goods, and potentially positioning Yobe as an important player in Nigeria’s cargo and aviation sectors. The collaboration between Yobe State and FAAN marks a new chapter in the state’s infrastructural development, and the full-scale operations of the Cargo Airport will undoubtedly have far-reaching benefits for businesses, investors, and residents alike.
As the final steps towards operationalizing the Yobe Cargo Airport are completed, anticipation continues to grow for its official opening, which will undoubtedly position the region as a key logistics hub in Nigeria.
