Intending pilgrims in Niger State can now heave a sigh of relief as the Minna Airport would be ready for use for the 2024 Hajj operations.
Governor Umaru Bago, who made this known in Minna, assured that the Airport’s runway would assume its rightful position as Nigeria’s longest and the best.
“The days of flying our pilgrims from Abuja have certainly ended,” the governor declared.
“The airport is now operational, hosting chartered flights, including Boeing 747 landings. Additionally, it has been commissioned as the strategic surveillance base for the Nigerian Air Force.
“The Chief of Air Staff visited the airport and expressed satisfaction with the work done on the runway.”
Recall that after inspecting the Minna runway, Governor Bago was dissatisfied with the work done and then instructed Dantata and Sawoe to take over the job and complete it within 48 hours, which they did.
He disclosed that with the runway now completed, the Nigeria civil aviation authority (NCAA) has certified the airport for operations of all types of flights.
The Governor further stated that he has instructed the completion of the airport terminal notwithstanding the fact that the project is owned by the federal government.
The project which was awarded for reconstruction in 2014 was abandoned.
The governor explained that the state government has already reached an agreement with FAAN to take over the project.
SOURCE: GUARDIAN