The Yobe State Ministry of Transport and Energy has concluded formal engagements with major aviation agencies to facilitate the airlift of pilgrims from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.
This was disclosed on Tuesday in Damaturu by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Mustapha Geidam.
He explained that the process was finalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, paving the way for full certification of the airport.
Geidam added that the state had previously entered into similar agreements with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
“ Collectively, these agreements place Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in full alignment with the regulatory and operational framework prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification.
“ The state government confirms that all the critical institutional, technical and safety requirements for certification have been substantially addressed.
“ The Aerodrome Manual and other operational documents have been completed and harmonised with regulatory standards while engagement with NCAA continues to facilitate inspection, validation and final approval,” the permanent secretary said.
He said MBICA had now secured a comprehensive coverage for aerodrome management and airport operations by FAAN, air navigation and air traffic management services by NAMA and aviation meteorological and weather forecasting services by NiMet.
Geidam said the progress recorded underscored the unwavering commitment of the Yobe Government to delivering a fully functional international cargo and passenger airport capable of supporting scheduled commercial flights and special aviation operations, including Hajj and Umrah services.
“ This achievement aligns with the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe, Dr Mai Mala Buni, whose development agenda seeks to position Yobe as a strategic aviation, logistics, and economic hub in the North-East region,” the permanent secretary said.
He said the ministry was currently focusing on securing final NCAA certification and operational clearance, strengthening capacity building and operational readiness of airport personnel and sustaining coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
