The Nigerian Senate has called on the Ministry of Aviation to take immediate steps towards upgrading the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri to facilitate international operations. This resolution was made during a plenary session on Wednesday, following the consideration and adoption of a motion on the need for the airport’s upgrade. The motion, introduced by Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno), was co-sponsored by eight other senators.
In his opening statement, Senator Ndume emphasized the significance of airport infrastructure as a key contributor to economic growth, foreign direct investments, and overall socio-economic development. He stressed the urgent need to equip the airport with features such as international runways and tarmacs to enable it to operate on an international scale. Notably, he highlighted the fact that the North East region is the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria without an international airport.
Senator Ndume further emphasized the strategic location of Maiduguri, which shares borders with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republic. Through the establishment of an international airport in the region, the efficient movement of goods and people from both Nigeria and around the world would be greatly enhanced. Additionally, this would alleviate pressure on the region’s roads and infrastructure.
“The North East is the only geopolitical zone that has no Internationally operated Airport. Maiduguri International Airport, which is now Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, is not operated Internationally. All flights that go to the Middle East passes through Maiduguri airspace, so we are calling on the federal government to upgrade or make the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport an Internationally operated Airport,” Senator Ndume stated.
Highlighting the significant land area of Maiduguri airport, Senator Ndume pointed out that it has the capacity to accommodate a standard international airport, which would boost the tourism sector. Moreover, the airport’s upgrade would facilitate communication among various groups within the region, where this connectivity is crucial.
Senator Ndume also emphasized that the airport’s upgrade would attract foreign investments, stimulate economic development, improve the quality of life for the people in the region, and increase the country’s GDP.
“Establishing an internationally operated airport in Maiduguri would propel the tourism sector and provide a communication link that is vital between different groups within the region,” he added.
The Senate, in its resolution, has mandated the Committee on Aviation to monitor the progress of the airport upgrade and submit a report within eight weeks.
