The Senate has called on the Federal Government to begin the process of upgrading the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri, Borno State for international operations.
It urged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, to take urgent action on its resolution and further mandated its Committee on Aviation for a follow-up and report back within eight weeks.
These resolutions were sequel to a motion by the Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, and co-sponsored by 11 other lawmakers across party divides.
While presenting the motion, the Senate Chief Whip noted that airports that meet international standards in terms of infrastructure would foster economic growth, foreign direct investment, and socioeconomic development of the country.
Senator Ndume who lamented that only the North East lacks an international airport compared to the other five geo-political zones noted that Borno State borders three countries, namely Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, respectively.
Ndume said, “The presence of an international airport in Maiduguri will enhance efficient and effective movement of goods and people from Nigeria and across the world, and reduce excess pressure on the road infrastructure within the zone.”
Senator Ndume expressed the hope that the upgrade of the Borno airport for international operations
“will propel the tourist sector and provide a communication link which is vital between different groups of people involved within the region.”
Source: Punch Newspapers
