Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom announced that his administration has invested in the Nigeria Air Force aerodrome in Makurdi as commercial flights resume operations. Speaking on Monday at the resumption ceremony, Ortom detailed several key upgrades. His government funded the procurement of a Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority‑approved digital airport rescue firefighting (ARFF) vehicle and oversaw the training, equipping and testing of more than 50 fire staff.
Additional improvements include the provision of a state‑of‑the‑art ambulance with trained health personnel for emergency rescue services, the facilitation of a geodetic survey to ensure the airport appears on ICAO maps, and the installation of airport tarmac markings and related airside signage. The administration also supplied an operational vehicle for the Nigeria Airport Management Authority (NAMA), strengthened access control and security screening, and created temporary spaces for terminal operations.
Ortom noted that the government has set aside a subsidy to offset any unanticipated route risks for Air Peace. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to provide long‑term accommodation for Nigeria Airspace Management Authority personnel, as well as a tent to protect the ARFF truck and serve as a rest area for fire staff.
The outgoing governor praised the Minister of Aviation and his team, the NAF, NCAA, NAMA, NiMET, the airport manager and her colleagues, and Air Peace for their cooperation and diligence in making the event possible.
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