The Yobe State government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have signed a final Memorandum of Understanding for full Certification and airlifting of 2026 Hajj pilgrims from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, to Saudi Arabia.
This was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, FCVSNPermanent SecretaryMinistry of Transport and Energy,Yobe State issued to newsmen.
The MoU completes the required institutional engagements with key federal aviation agencies, following earlier MoUs signed with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Collectively, these agreements place Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in full alignment with the regulatory and operational framework prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification.
The MoU with NiMet was formally signed on 15th December, 2025, at the office of the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The agreement was executed on behalf of the Yobe State Government by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammed Bara, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, FCVSN, in the presence of the Director General/CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike.
The signing ceremony was also attended by key management staff of NiMet, including the Director of Weather Forecast, Professor Vincent, the Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Abdulkareem, the General Manager (Commercial), Abdullateef, and the Director of Legal Services, further underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership.With the execution of the NiMet MoU, MBICA now has comprehensive service coverage for
:1. Aerodrome management and airport operations (FAAN)
2. Air navigation and air traffic management services (NAMA)
3. Aviation meteorological services and weather forecasting (NiMet)
The State Government confirms that all critical institutional, technical, and safety requirements for certification have been substantially addressed.
The Aerodrome Manual and other operational documents have been completed and harmonized with regulatory standards while engagement with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) continues to facilitate inspection, validation, and final approval.
The progress recorded underscores the unwavering commitment of the Yobe State Government to delivering a fully functional international cargo and passenger airport capable of supporting scheduled commercial flights and special aviation operations, including Hajj and Umrah airlift services.
This achievement aligns with the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. (Dr) Mai Mala Buni, CON, whose development agenda seeks to position Yobe State as a strategic aviation, logistics, and economic hub in the North-East region.
The State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the commencement of Hajj operations from MBICA by the 2026 Hajj season.With all major aviation stakeholders now formally engaged, current efforts are focused on:
1. Securing final NCAA certification and operational clearance
2. Strengthening capacity building and operational readiness of airport personnel
3. Sustaining coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other relevant stakeholders
The signing of the NiMet MoU represents more than a procedural requirement; it is a decisive step toward actualizing the vision of the Yobe State Government for safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport operations.
As MBICA enters its final operationalization phase, the Yobe State Government remains resolute in meeting all regulatory timelines and requirements in partnership with federal aviation agencies, ensuring that the airport serves as a symbol of progress, opportunity, and service to the people of Yobe State and Nigeria at large.
