Minna’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport Designated as Alternate Hub for Abuja

The Federal Government has formally designated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, as an alternate airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja in case of disruptions or emergencies.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a special ceremony marking the inaugural Overland Airways flight into the Minna airport.

According to Keyamo, necessary arrangements are being made to deploy key agencies, including customs, immigration, police, and the NDLEA, to the airport to ensure smooth passenger processing during potential diversions.

“Enough of suppressing Niger State of its rightful place,” the Minister said, highlighting the state's strategic importance. He commended Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for his commitment to transforming the state’s economic outlook, especially through agriculture and infrastructure development.

Keyamo further noted that the airport would also function as an agro-terminal, attracting investment, creating jobs, and boosting GDP through agricultural exports.

In his address, Governor Bago stated that the airport spans 3,000 hectares and has undergone key upgrades, including a rehabilitated runway and terminal. He outlined future infrastructure plans, including:

• A modern terminal with state-of-the-art facilities

• An aviation estate with 500 housing units

• A fuel storage depot

• A five-star Hilton hotel

• Over 1,000 kilometers of new roads to support airport logistics

He also revealed that 180 containers containing airport-related equipment are currently en route to Minna by sea. Bago expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing support of Niger State’s development agenda.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, also commended the aviation sector’s progress under the current administration. He praised both Minister Keyamo and Governor Bago for their strategic leadership.

He added that recent economic reforms under President Tinubu’s leadership have started yielding results, noting a gradual decline in food prices due to efforts aimed at enhancing food security.

The official launch of Overland Airways’ operations was marked by the departure of aircraft 5N-CCN from the newly designated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.