The Yobe Ministry of Transport and Energy has finalised key institutional arrangements to facilitate the transport of intending pilgrims from Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA) in Damaturu to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.
Dr. Mustapha Geidam, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
He said the agreements were solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to ensure full certification of MBICA.
The state had previously signed similar agreements with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
“Together, these arrangements ensure that Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport meets the regulatory and operational standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification,” Geidam explained.
He added that all critical technical, institutional, and safety requirements for certification have been substantially addressed.
“The Aerodrome Manual and other operational documents have been completed and aligned with regulatory standards, while engagement with NCAA continues to facilitate inspection, validation, and final approval,” he said.
Geidam noted that MBICA now has comprehensive coverage for aerodrome management and airport operations by FAAN, air navigation and traffic management services by NAMA, and aviation meteorological and forecasting services by NiMet.
He emphasised that these developments demonstrate the Yobe Government’s commitment to establishing a fully operational international cargo and passenger airport capable of supporting both scheduled commercial flights and special aviation services, including Hajj and Umrah.
“This progress reflects the vision of His Excellency, Governor Dr. Mai Mala Buni, whose development agenda aims to position Yobe as a strategic hub for aviation, logistics, and economic growth in the North-East region,” the Permanent Secretary said.
He added that the ministry is now concentrating on securing final NCAA certification, strengthening the operational capacity of airport personnel, and maintaining close coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to ensure seamless operations for pilgrims.