Yobe, NAMA sign agreement to begin full commercial operations at Buhari International Cargo Airport

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, with Farouq Ahmed Umar, Managing Director of NAMA, signing on behalf of the agency, while the Yobe State Government was represented by Muhammad Muhammad Bara, Commissioner for Transport and Energy, and the Permanent Secretary, Mustapha Abba Geidam.

Under the agreement, NAMA will provide critical services to ensure safe, efficient and compliant aerodrome operations at MBICA, including Air Traffic Control (ATC) services for the management of aircraft movements within the airport airspace.

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Other services include communication services — the provision and maintenance of aeronautical communication systems; navigation and surveillance services, including instrument landing systems, radar coverage and flight path monitoring.

Aeronautical Information Services (AIS), which ensure pilots and airlines receive up-to-date flight and operational information, as well as search and rescue coordination support within national airspace regulations, will also be provided under the agreement.

This places MBICA on the verge of full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) operational and safety standards.

Governor Mai Mala Buni described the development as a “major leap in our journey to open Yobe State to global aviation, trade and investment opportunities.”

Buni reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the departure and arrival of 2026 Hajj pilgrims commence successfully from the airport, marking the first-ever international passenger movement through the facility.

He commended the Ministry of Transport and Energy, NAMA and all technical partners for their dedication, noting that MBICA will significantly boost economic activities, job creation and infrastructural development across the state.

The Ministry said it is committed to working closely with NAMA, federal aviation agencies and all technical stakeholders to fast-track the certification and readiness of MBICA for commercial flights.

It also expressed appreciation to Governor Mai Mala Buni for his visionary leadership and continued investment in infrastructure that will benefit the people of Yobe State for decades to come.