From HASSAN JIRGI, Maiduguri
Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni said the state-owned Damaturu Cargo International Airport will create a lot of jobs, boost trade and economic development beyond Nigeria.
The governor’s Director of Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, who disclosed this to AljazirahNigeria in a telephone chat, said the airport would have a 3.6-kilometer runway, modern terminal building and state-of-the-art aeronautical equipment.
According to him, the Damaturu Cargo International Airport is poised to become a key hub for cargo operations in Nigeria.
“The federal government did not takeover the affairs of the airport after eight years.”
Buni called on the federal government and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to expedite the approval process for the airport’s full operational status.
He added that Yobe State is the largest producer of livestock in Nigeria and the airport’s operation would open new avenues to export these products to neighbouring countries and global markets.
He also emphasised the airport’s potential to boost Yobe’s economy by facilitating the export of livestock and other agricultural products, which the state produces in large quantities.
He said the governor encouraged investors to take advantage of the airport’s facilities, particularly in building warehouses for storing farm produce and livestock intended for export.
According to him, the facility features the longest runway in Nigeria at 6.6 kilometers and DVOR installations comparable to those in top international airports like Dubai. The airport’s navigational aids and control tower equipment are also of the highest standards.
Governor Buni is offering free land to investors interested in establishing agro-allied facilities, fuel farms and other essential infrastructure at the airport.
The media director said the governor assured potential investors that the area is safe, with a military battalion stationed at the airport and a significant reduction in insurgency in the North-East.
He stressed the importance of maximising the airport’s potential, especially given Yobe’s strong agricultural base.
