By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Yobe State Government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have signed a final Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for full certification and airlifting of 2026 Hajj pilgrims from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu.
A press statement by Mamman Mohammed who is the DG, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor said, the MoU completes the required institutional engagements with key federal aviation agencies, following earlier MoUs signed with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Collectively, these agreements place Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in full alignment with the regulatory and operational framework prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification.
The MoU with NiMet was formally signed on 15th December, 2025, in the office of the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The agreement was executed on behalf of the Yobe State Government by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammed Bara, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, FCVSN, in the presence of the Director-General/CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike.
The signing ceremony was also attended by key management staff of NiMet, including the Director of Weather Forecast, Professor Vincent, the Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Abdulkareem, the General Manager (Commercial), Abdullateef, and the Director of Legal Services, further underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership.
With the execution of the NiMet MoU, MBICA now has comprehensive service coverage for:
- Aerodrome management and airport operations (FAAN)
- Air navigation and air traffic management services (NAMA)
- Aviation meteorological services and weather forecasting (NiMet)
The State Government confirms that all critical institutional, technical and safety requirements for certification have been substantially addressed.
The Aerodrome Manual and other operational documents have been completed and harmonized with regulatory standards while engagement with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) continues to facilitate inspection, validation and final approval.
This achievement aligns with the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. (Dr) Mai Mala Buni, CON, whose development agenda seeks to position Yobe State as a strategic aviation, logistics and economic hub in the North-East region.
