Yobe State Offers Free Land, Incentives to Agro-Allied Investors at Damaturu Cargo Int’l Airport
The Yobe State Government has announced a generous offer of free land and additional incentives to agro-allied investors willing to invest at the Damaturu Cargo International Airport, a strategic move aimed at boosting agricultural exports and stimulating economic growth.
This announcement was made by the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, during the 2024 Airport Business Summit held in Lagos.
Governor Buni emphasised the unique business potential of the Damaturu Cargo International Airport, citing its recently completed 3.6-kilometer runway, modern terminal building, and the installation of cutting-edge aeronautical equipment.
He noted that the airport’s strategic location positions it as an ideal hub for the export of agricultural produce, particularly livestock, which Yobe State produces in abundance.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Yobe State Ministry of Transport and Energy, Dr. Mustapha Gaidam, Governor Buni called on the federal government to direct the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to collaborate with the state government in ensuring the airport becomes fully operational.
This collaboration, he argued, is crucial for maximising the airport’s potential, particularly in facilitating the export of agro-allied products.
Dr. Gaidam highlighted Yobe State’s agricultural prowess, noting that it is the largest producer of livestock in Nigeria.
He envisioned the Damaturu Airport as a key transit point for exporting these livestock to neighboring countries and other global markets, thereby generating significant revenue for both the state and the federal government.
“When one of the installers of the aeronautical equipment came to the airport, he said the only airport that has this kind of infrastructure and technology in our clime was Damaturu International Airport, because they are new models found only in the developed airports in the United Arabs Emirate,” Dr. Gaidam remarked, underscoring the advanced capabilities of the airport.
He further elaborated on the daily exodus of thousands of trucks from Yobe State, filled with cows and their byproducts, destined for various parts of Nigeria, particularly Lagos.
He questioned why these products should not be exported, urging investors to capitalise on the opportunity by building warehouses for the storage and export of the state’s abundant farm produce and livestock.
The Governor’s offer includes a vast expanse of land, measuring approximately 2.5 by 5 kilometers, available free of charge to investors interested in establishing agro-allied businesses at the airport.
This initiative is seen as a bold step to attract both local and international investors to Yobe State.
Addressing concerns about security, Dr. Gaidam reassured potential investors, noting that a battalion of the Nigerian military is stationed at the airport.
He also highlighted the significant reduction in security challenges in the North-East region, further enhancing the airport’s viability as a safe and secure investment destination.
With these incentives, the Yobe State Government is positioning the Damaturu Cargo International Airport as a key driver of economic transformation in the region, offering vast opportunities for investors in the agro-allied sector.
