From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government has intensified preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, completing institutional agreements to commence the airlifting of pilgrims from Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu, to Saudi Arabia.
A final Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 15th December 2025 with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), marking the completion of critical engagements with key federal aviation agencies, following previous MoUs with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Director of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, explained that the agreements place MBICA in full compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification.
The MoU signing was executed by the Yobe State Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammed Bara, alongside Permanent Secretary Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, in the presence of NiMet’s Director General, Professor Charles Anosike, and other top management officials.
According to the statement, the agreement ensures comprehensive service coverage at MBICA, including aerodrome management and operations (FAAN), air navigation and traffic management (NAMA), and aviation meteorological services (NiMet).
“The completion of these agreements underscores our commitment to safe, efficient, and fully regulated airlifting of Hajj pilgrims from Yobe State,” the statement quoted the Commissioner.
It added that all institutional, technical, and safety requirements for airport certification have been substantially addressed, with operational manuals harmonized to regulatory standards and ongoing engagements with the NCAA for final inspection and approval.
The state government said this milestone aligns with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s vision to position Yobe as a strategic aviation, logistics, and economic hub in the North-East, while ensuring residents access safe and well-coordinated Hajj operations.
