Yobe Govt Meets NiMet, NAMA Over Commencement Of Commercial Flights At Damaturu Airport

The Yobe State Government has intensified efforts to commence commercial flight operations at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu, following a high-level meeting with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The engagement brought together a state delegation led by the Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammad Bara, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, and the Director-General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, to review technical and operational requirements necessary for full aviation readiness of the airport.

According to a statement issued after the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, the discussions focused on meeting outstanding meteorological and safety standards required for the seamless take-off of commercial flights from the Damaturu airport in addition to reviewing reports from previous inspection visits conducted by NiMet to assess the level of compliance with aviation weather and safety regulations.

The statement said, Governor Mai Mala Buni reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing all additional facilities recommended by NiMet to ensure that the airport meets national and international aviation standards, emphasizing that safety and operational excellence would not be compromised in the drive to commence commercial operations.

“This airport is central to our economic diversification agenda. It will open Yobe State to new opportunities in trade, tourism and connectivity, and we are determined to meet all technical requirements for its successful operation,” the governor assured.

NiMet, in its assessment, expressed satisfaction with the installation of critical meteorological equipment at the airport, noting that the facilities meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for aerodrome operations.

The agency confirmed that its inspection teams had visited the airport on two separate occasions to verify compliance.

However, NiMet recommended the installation of an additional mini weather station closer to the control tower to further enhance real-time data collection, improve accessibility for aviation personnel, and strengthen weather forecasting for safe flight operations.

In another development, the Commissioner and his delegation have equally met with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) for commencing full commercial operations at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu.

The agreement was at NAMA headquarters with the Managing Director, Mr. Farouq Ahmed Umar, signing for NAMA and Yobe State government represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammad Bara, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam.

Under the agreement, NAMA will provide critical services to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant aerodrome operations at MBICA, including Air Traffic Control (ATC) Services, managing aircraft movements within the airport airspace.

Others include Communication Services, provision and maintenance of aeronautical communication systems, Navigation and Surveillance Systems, including Instrument Landing Systems, radar coverage, and flight path monitoring.

Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) ensuring pilots and airlines receive up-to-date flight and operational information.

Search and Rescue Coordination Support within national airspace regulations would also be provided under the agreement.

This brings MBICA at the verge of full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) operational and safety standards.

Gov. Mai Mala Buni described the process as a “major leap in our journey to open Yobe State to global aviation, trade, and investment opportunities.”

Governor Buni reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the departure and arrival of the 2026 Hajj pilgrims commences successfully from the airport, marking the first-ever international passenger movement through the airport.