Flight operations have officially started at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, as announced by the Federal Government. Overland Airways became the first airline to commence services at the newly upgraded facility.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led the inauguration on Wednesday. He explained that the airport serves as a strategic backup to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He also confirmed plans to equip the airport with full customs, immigration, police, and NDLEA presence in case operations in Abuja are disrupted.
Keyamo praised Governor Umaru Bago for making the project a reality, stating that the airport would attract investors, create jobs, and boost Niger State’s GDP, especially in the agricultural sector.
Governor Bago thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and described the airport as a massive development hub. He noted that it covers 3,000 hectares and highlighted key projects such as terminal and runway renovations, a modern terminal under construction, and the creation of an aviation estate with 500 residential units.
Additional infrastructure includes a fuel dump, a five-star Hilton hotel, and 1,000 kilometres of roads to support smooth operations. The governor also revealed that 180 containers, currently en route by sea, will be delivered to the airport, highlighting the airport’s rising profile and long-term potential.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, praised both Bago and Keyamo for their efforts. He said the government remains focused on improving citizens’ welfare and pointed to falling food prices as evidence of the current administration’s effective strategies.
Overland Airways founder and Managing Director, Capt. Edward Boyo, assured passengers of quality service and called on stakeholders to support the new airport’s growth.
