By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
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.
In a press statement by Mamman Mohammed, DG Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Buni said, the agreement was signed on Wednesday, 10th December 2025, at NAMA with the Managing Director, Mr. Farouq Ahmed Umar, signing for NAMA and Yobe State government represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Muhammad Muhammad Bara, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, FCVSN.
Under the agreement, NAMA will provide critical services to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant aerodrome operations at MBICA, including: Air Traffic Control (ATC) Services – managing aircraft movements within the airport airspace.
Others include Communication Services – provision and maintenance of aeronautical communication systems; Navigation and Surveillance Systems – including Instrument Landing Systems, radar coverage, and flight path monitoring.
Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) ensuring pilots and airlines receive up-to-date flight and operational information. Search and Rescue Coordination Support within national airspace regulations would also be provided under the agreement.
This brings MBICA at the verge of full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) operational and safety standards.
His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni CON described the process as a “major leap in our journey to open Yobe State to global aviation, trade, and investment opportunities.”
Governor Buni reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the departure and arrival of the 2026 Hajj pilgrims commences successfully from the airport, marking the first-ever international passenger movement through the airport.
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 modernization across the state.
The Ministry is committed to working closely with NAMA, the Federal Aviation Agencies, and all technical stakeholders to fast-track a successful certification and readiness of MBICA for commercial flights.
The Ministry of transport and energy extends appreciation to Governor (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, for his visionary leadership and continued investment in infrastructure that will benefit the people of Yobe State for decades to come.
