President Tinubu Approves Maiduguri Airport Upgrade to International Status

Boosting North-East Connectivity

Story: President Bola Tinubu has approved the upgrade of Maiduguri airport to international status, completing the establishment of international airports across all six geo-political zones in Nigeria. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, through his verified X handle (@SundayDareSD).

This upgrade is expected to enhance economic activities and regional connectivity in the North-East. The Maiduguri airport’s new international status will improve access for travelers, facilitating trade, investment, and travel within the region.

With this move, Maiduguri joins the ranks of other international airports in Nigeria, improving the infrastructure and accessibility of the nation’s aviation sector. The upgrade is also expected to help ease transportation for business and leisure travelers, while promoting economic growth in the North-East.

In addition to the airport upgrade, Dare also confirmed the official launch of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja. This university is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leader in aviation and aerospace education in Africa. The specialized institution will offer world-class training in aviation management, aerospace engineering, and related disciplines, with a focus on producing highly skilled professionals for the aviation industry.

In a related development, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, hosted the Ambassador of Namibia to Nigeria, H.E. Humphrey D. Geiseb, in his office in Abuja. The meeting centered on the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Namibia and the possibility of strengthening aviation connectivity between the two nations.

During the visit, Geiseb discussed the historical significance of Air Namibia’s operations between the two countries. Air Namibia previously operated flights connecting Lagos to Accra, and played a vital role in facilitating travel between Namibia and Nigeria. However, the airline faced financial difficulties and was ultimately forced to suspend its operations after receiving a government bailout. Geiseb noted that at present, there is no direct flight connecting Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, to Nigeria, and travelers often need to transit through Addis Ababa.

Geiseb expressed Namibia’s interest in partnering with Nigerian airlines to restore direct flight services between the two countries. He mentioned that talks with Air Peace are ongoing and encouraged Keyamo to engage with other domestic airlines to explore possible collaborations. He also indicated plans to work with Namibia’s Minister of Aviation to organize a visit aimed at further strengthening the aviation relationship between the two nations.

In response, Minister Keyamo shared Nigeria’s experience with the successful establishment of the Algeria/Lagos/Cameroon flight route, which was initiated after direct discussions between the Algerian ambassador and Nigerian authorities. He also suggested that one of Nigeria’s growing domestic carriers, Xejet, which currently operates Air Sierra Leone, could be a potential partner for direct flights to Namibia.

Keyamo also raised the issue of visa challenges between Nigeria and Namibia, recalling his own personal difficulties in obtaining a visa despite holding a diplomatic passport. He urged Geiseb to work towards resolving these issues to make travel easier for citizens of both countries and to encourage greater trade and investment relations.

Both Keyamo and Geiseb agreed to work together to improve aviation connectivity and address challenges to facilitate smoother travel and promote greater economic cooperation between Nigeria and Namibia.

The meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations, with both parties expressing a commitment to exploring new opportunities in the aviation sector, as well as expanding trade and investment between their nations.