2024 Hajj: Pilgrims To Be Airlifted From Yobe International Airport

Yobe State government has concluded arrangements to fix runway landing lights, the last requirement for night flight operations, to enable the state airlift its pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the next hajj exercise from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu.

The state governor, Mai Mala Buni, who visited the Global Engineering Contractors and Inspectors, manufacturers of the equipment in Spain, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the equipment.

A statement by his director general, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, noted that Governor Buni was at the company on a Factory Acceptance Test and Inspection visit to ascertain and facilitate the shipment of the equipment to Damaturu for installation.

The runway lighting equipment being manufactured by Global Engineering Contractors and Inspectors is the only equipment yet to be installed to facilitate night operations at the airport.

The manufacturers informed the Governor that the equipment had been completed and ready for shipment.

Chairmen and chief executive officer of the company, Daniel Randell expressed delight working with the Yobe State government.

He assured the preparedness of the company to work with the state government.

Similarly, general manager of the company, Frosti Heimisson said the company has placed the shipment of the equipment on its first priority list.

“I am impressed with your commitment Mr. Governor. There is a great difference in you from others in the administration sector. We are ready to ship the equipment to Nigeria before the end of this year,” Frosti said.

Governor Buni who expressed satisfaction with the completion of the equipment assured the state government’s commitment to ensure the shipment of the equipment to the state.

“I am content with the report from our main contractors and consultants on the quality of the equipment which have been completed and ready for shipment,” Gov. Buni said.

The installation of the equipment would also enhance conventional flights and international cargo operations.

Our correspondent reports that Governor Kefas’ move to obtain an N200 billion loan from four commercial banks was blocked by a petition by some indigenes of the state who wrote the Central Bank to stop the banks from granting the loan.