On the 11th of March, 2024, the atmosphere at the newly renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, was electric. The occasion marked the historic reopening of the almost 34-year-old airport, demonstrating a significant milestone in the collaboration between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Niger State Government. This partnership led to the construction of a brand-new domestic terminal, a testament to the shared vision and dedication to development and progress.
Under the scorching Minna sun, the FAAN staff, along with the local government and populace, celebrated this achievement with high spirits. The airport’s transformation was spearheaded by the dynamic Farmer Governor of Niger State, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
Upon her arrival, Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, embarked on a comprehensive tour of the terminal. Accompanied by the Acting Airport Manager and the project contractor, Kuku meticulously reviewed the terminal’s facilities. Her focus was unwavering, praising the noteworthy features while offering constructive criticism where necessary, underscoring her commitment to passenger comfort and excellence in service delivery.
The day’s events highlighted not only the reopening of the airport but also the launch of the Agricultural Mechanisation of Niger State. A significant portion of the airport land has been allocated for agricultural purposes, aligning with both state and federal ambitions to enhance agricultural productivity and export capabilities. Governor Bago articulated his vision to utilize the airport’s facilities to accelerate the transportation of produce across the country, maximizing efficiency and output.
President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose presence underscored the federal support for this initiative, commended the collaborative effort. The airport’s designation as a special Agro Processing Free Zone signifies a strategic approach to integrating agriculture with other economic sectors, fostering growth and sustainability.
Olubunmi Kuku highlighted the importance of such partnerships between FAAN and state governments. The transformation of underutilized assets, like the Minna Airport land, into revenue-generating ventures exemplifies the innovative strategies being deployed to enhance Nigeria’s economic landscape. Kuku’s vision for FAAN involves leveraging the country’s airports to facilitate exports, particularly of perishable goods, thereby addressing the significant losses incurred annually.
The commitment from both the Niger State Government and FAAN to complete the Cargo and International Terminals will further position the state as a leading producer and exporter of food in Nigeria. This initiative reflects President Tinubu’s broader agenda for progress and aligns with FAAN’s objectives of fostering economic development through strategic asset utilization.
As FAAN embarks on this new chapter, the message is unequivocal: under Olubunmi Kuku’s leadership, FAAN is embracing a forward-looking approach to business, ready to forge more partnerships that drive economic growth and development. The reopening of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport is not just a celebration of a revamped facility but a signpost of Nigeria’s march towards an innovative and prosperous future.
