Keyamo Designates Tinubu Int’l Airport, Minna, as Alternative to Abuja Airport

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a landmark move to enhance regional aviation and strengthen Nigeria’s air transport infrastructure, has officially declared the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, as the designated alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The announcement was made during the ceremonial launch of Overland Airways’ inaugural flight at the Minna airport, an event that drew high-ranking government officials and stakeholders from across the aviation sector.

The occasion, graced by Niger State Governor, Hon. Umar Bago, signalled a new chapter in the revitalisation of aviation services in the North Central region.

Speaking at the event, Minister Keyamo highlighted the airport’s strategic positioning and robust infrastructure, stating: “The runway is an international runway; a 747 and a Triple Seven can use this runway. Why over the years this has been underutilised is still a puzzle. Our eyes are on this airport. By the powers conferred in me, I declare Minna airport as the alternative to Abuja Airport. NCAA, FAAN, take note.”

According to Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, key aviation figures accompanied the Minister, including the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku (represented by Dr. Emiola Olatunbosun Luqman, FAAN’s Director of Human Resources)

Others include the Ministry’s Director of Aerodromes, Engr. Vembe Peter; Registrar of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi; and Mr. Jensen Asaba, FAAN’s Director of Corporate Services.

Also in attendance were the Honourable Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON; and the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, represented by Rt. Hon. Abubakar Yahaya Kusada. Former governors of Niger State and other dignitaries were also present.

In a show of appreciation for Governor Bago’s commitment to infrastructure development, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, referred to the governor as the “new architect of Niger State.”

Adding to the momentum, the Managing Director of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, commended the Governor’s humility and vision, revealing the airline’s operational strategy with the deployment of a brand-new Embraer 175 aircraft equipped with both premium and economy cabins.

“Let it go down in history that this man has moved the Sea Port in Lagos to Minna,” Capt. Boyo stated. “We are commencing with three flights a week, connecting Minna to Lagos and Abuja, and will also be offering seamless access to international destinations through interline arrangements later on.”

The formal commencement of Overland Airways’ operations from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport represents a transformative step for the region, positioning Minna as a vital node in Nigeria’s expanding air transport network and reinforcing its role in the national economic landscape.