Minna, Nigeria
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, says the Bola Ahmed International Airport, Minna in Niger State will now serve as an alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the nation’s capital.
Keyamo announced the development on Tuesday during the inaugural commercial flight at the airport in Minna.
According to a statement signed by Bologi Ibrahim, chief press secretary to the governor of Niger state, the minister said government decision was on the premise of the standard facilities at the airport, including its runway, and its proximity to Abuja.
He said the airport, even with all its necessary international facilities, had remained underutilised.
Keyamo tasked all relevant agencies to take note and collaborate to facilitate passenger processing in Minna whenever issues arise at the Abuja airport.
The minister commended the governor for his political will, describing his efforts as “squeezing water from stone”.
“It is the beginning of many other great things that will come to the state and the people,” he added.
He assured stakeholders that the federal government would continue to back the state as it establishes itself as a key player in aeronautics.
