TINUBU GOVERNMENT DECLARES MINNA AIRPORT AS OFFICIAL ALTERNATIVE TO ABUJA
The Federal Government has formally designated the newly refurbished Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, as the alternative airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the declaration during the launch of commercial flight operations by Overland Airways from the Minna facility.
Keyamo emphasized that the Minna airport is equipped to handle large aircraft such as Boeing 747s and 777s, wondering aloud why it had remained underutilized for so long despite its strategic location and international-grade infrastructure. “The runway is an international runway… our eyes are on this airport,” Keyamo stated, instructing aviation agencies like the NCAA and FAAN to treat the Minna facility as a standby hub for flight operations out of Abuja.
The move is expected to enhance aviation traffic in the northern region, provide relief during peak periods at Abuja’s airport, and boost economic activity in Niger State.
