Yobe Govt Meets NiMet Over Commencement Of Commercial Flights

The Yobe State government has intensified engagements with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as part of final preparations for the full commencement of commercial flight operations at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu.

The meeting focused on completing all meteorological and technical requirements necessary to certify the airport for full aviation activities.

NiMet confirmed its satisfaction with the findings of its inspection teams, who had earlier visited the airport for assessment.

The agency noted that the installed meteorological equipment at MBICA meets the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards required for safe aerodrome operations.

However, NiMet recommended the installation of an additional mini-weather station close to the control tower to enhance accessibility and support real-time weather data acquisition for improved aviation forecasting.

Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, welcomed the recommendation and assured that the government would promptly provide the additional facilities to ensure the smooth commencement of commercial flights.

“We are fully committed to ensuring that the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport meets all technical and safety requirements for seamless operations,” he said.

He described the airport as central to the economic diversification drive of his administration.

“It will open Yobe State to global opportunities in trade, tourism and air transport, and therefore we will not compromise on standards,” he added.

LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that a delegation from the state, led by the Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon Muhammad Bara, and the permanent secretary, Ministry of Transport and Energy, Dr Mustapha Abba Geidam, held productive deliberations with the director-general of NiMet, Prof Charles Anosike, at the agency’s headquarters.