The Federal Government has officially inaugurated flight operations of Overland Airways at the newly reconstructed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, marking a major milestone in the nation’s aviation sector.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, led the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, hailing the airport as a strategic alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Keyamo disclosed that the government is making arrangements to deploy key security and immigration personnel—including Customs, Immigration, NDLEA, and Police—to the Minna airport, ensuring full passenger processing capacity in the event of disruptions at the Abuja airport.
He praised Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, for his commitment and political will, describing the airport as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and agricultural development in the state.
In his remarks, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and highlighted the airport’s vast potential.
“This airport spans 3,000 hectares and is undergoing significant upgrades,” Bago said. “We are renovating the existing terminal and runway, constructing a world-class terminal, developing an aviation estate with 500 housing units, and building a fuel dump and five-star Hilton hotel.”
The governor also announced that 180 containers aboard a ship were en route to the airport for developmental purposes, reinforcing its potential to become a global aviation hub. Additionally, a 1,000-kilometre road network is underway to enhance airport accessibility.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also commended the strides made in the state and in the aviation sector, affirming the federal government’s commitment to improving citizens’ welfare. He noted that food prices were beginning to ease, attributing the relief to President Tinubu’s economic measures.
Capt. Edward Boyo, Founder and Managing Director of Overland Airways, assured Nigerians of high-quality service delivery and called on stakeholders to support the airline’s operations in the region.
The inauguration signals a new chapter in regional air connectivity and economic expansion for Niger State and the North Central zone.
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