Yobe State Government has met with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency to finalize the technical steps needed for the full commencement of commercial flights at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu.
The meeting comes as the state works to complete the last phase of aviation readiness required for operational approval.
Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Muhammad Muhammad Bara on Thursday, led the state delegation, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Mustapha Abba Geidam.
The officials held discussions with NiMet’s Director-General, Professor Charles Anosike, on the technical reports submitted for the airport’s meteorological systems.
NiMet confirmed that its inspection teams visited the airport twice and assessed the installed equipment.
The agency said the systems met International Civil Aviation Organization standards for aerodrome operations.
NiMet, however, recommended the installation of an additional mini weather station near the control tower to improve accessibility and real-time data for aviation weather forecasting.
Governor Mai Mala Buni said the state would provide the extra facilities to meet all required technical standards.
He said the airport is central to the state’s plan for economic diversification and expansion of trade and air transport.
He added that the government would not compromise on safety as it prepares for commercial flight operations.
The state said the additional installation will speed up the final certification process for the airport.
The move brings Yobe closer to opening its first major aviation facility to passenger and cargo services.
