The Yobe State Government and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) to commence full commercial operations at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday at NAMA’s headquarters, with the Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Farouq Ahmed Umar, signing on behalf of the agency, while the Yobe State Government was represented by the Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammad Bara, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, FCVSN.
Under the SLA, NAMA will provide critical services required for safe, efficient and compliant aerodrome operations at MBICA. These include Air Traffic Control (ATC) services for managing aircraft movements within the airport airspace; communication services through the provision and maintenance of aeronautical communication systems; and navigation and surveillance systems such as instrument landing systems, radar coverage and flight path monitoring.
Other services to be provided include Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) to ensure pilots and airlines receive up-to-date flight and operational information, as well as search and rescue coordination support in line with national airspace regulations.
The agreement places MBICA on the verge of full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) operational and safety standards.
Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, described the development as “a major leap in our journey to open Yobe State to global aviation, trade and investment opportunities.”
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the successful commencement of departure and arrival operations for 2026 Hajj pilgrims from the airport, marking the first-ever international passenger movement through MBICA.
He commended the Ministry of Transport and Energy, NAMA and all technical partners for their dedication, noting that the airport would significantly boost economic activities, create jobs and accelerate infrastructural modernisation across the state.
According to him, the state government remains committed to working closely with NAMA, federal aviation agencies and other technical stakeholders to fast-track certification and operational readiness of the airport for commercial flights.
The Ministry of Transport and Energy expressed appreciation to Governor Buni for what it described as his visionary leadership and sustained investment in infrastructure for the long-term benefit of the people of Yobe State.
