The Federal Government has designated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, as a strategic alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, in a move aimed at boosting aviation resilience and regional connectivity.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the inaugural Overland Airways flight to the revamped Minna airport.
As part of its new role, the Minna airport will be equipped with full border control services — including customs, immigration, and security — to enable seamless processing of international and domestic flights in the event of operational disruptions in Abuja.
“This airport is now more than just a local gateway — it’s a national asset with immense strategic value,” Keyamo said.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago lauded the federal government’s support, describing the airport upgrade as a “bold step in realising the New Niger Agenda.” He noted the transformation would stimulate the state’s economy and attract new investment.
Spread across 3,000 hectares, the airport has seen major infrastructure improvements, including a renovated runway and terminal, with plans for a new terminal complex, a fuel depot, five-star Hilton hotel, and 1,000 km of adjoining roadworks.
Also in the pipeline are 500 housing units for aviation staff, further cementing the airport’s role as a critical hub in the nation’s aviation map.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, praised the coordinated effort, noting that recent federal infrastructure strategies were already impacting broader economic indices, including the gradual drop in food prices.
Overland Airways, the first carrier to land under the new arrangement, assured passengers of top-tier services and modern aircraft technology as it begins regular operations from Minna.
