The Federal Government on Wednesday launched flight operations by Overland Airways at the newly reconstructed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who officiated the event, described the airport as a key alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, according to NAN.
Keyamo stated that the government is finalizing plans to deploy Customs, Immigration, Police, NDLEA, and other essential agencies to the facility to ensure smooth passenger processing in case of any operational disruptions at the newly constructed facility.
“The Federal Government has inaugurated flight operations of Overland Airways at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger state.
“Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Airspace Development, inaugurated the flight operation in Minna on Wednesday. He said that the newly reconstructed airport would be an alternative to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the NAN report read in part.
Keyamo also praised the strong political will of Governor Umaru Bago, emphasizing that the airport would drive economic growth by attracting investment, generating employment, and boosting Niger State’s GDP—especially through improved access to agricultural markets and logistics.
In his remarks, Governor Bago expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, which he said was instrumental in completing the airport project.
He described the facility as a critical infrastructure that would open up the state to new economic and development opportunities.
Bago noted that the airport spans 3,000 hectares of land and is currently undergoing extensive upgrades. These include the renovation of the existing terminal and runway, the construction of a new modern terminal, and the development of an aviation estate comprising 500 housing units.
The governor further disclosed that a fuel dump and a five-star Hilton hotel are currently under construction, alongside a 1,000-kilometre road network designed to support airport operations.
He also revealed that 180 containers, presently at sea, are expected to arrive at the airport—highlighting its growing capacity and potential to evolve into a global aviation hub.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, who attended the inauguration, also commended Governor Bago for his commitment to infrastructure development and praised the aviation minister for driving positive change in the sector.
He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing citizens’ welfare and noted that food prices are steadily declining due to targeted interventions by the Tinubu administration.
