Yobe Govt, NAMA Sign Agreement to Begin Full Commercial Operations at MBICA
By Ahmed Isah
Yobe Government and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have signed a Service Level Agreement to commence full commercial operations at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu.
The agreement, signed at NAMA headquarters, had the Managing Director, Mr Farouq Ahmed Umar, signing for the agency, while Yobe was represented by the Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Muhammad Muhammad Bara, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mustapha Abba Geidam.
Under the agreement, NAMA will provide air traffic control services to manage aircraft movements within the airport airspace in line with national and international aviation standards.
It will also provide communication services covering the installation and maintenance of critical aeronautical communication systems required for seamless airport operations.
Navigation and surveillance support, including Instrument Landing Systems, radar coverage and flight path monitoring, will form part of the services captured under the agreement.
The agency will further deliver aeronautical information services to ensure pilots and airlines receive accurate and timely flight and operational data.
Search and rescue coordination within national airspace regulations is also included, bringing MBICA close to full compliance with ICAO operational and safety requirements.
Gov. Mai Mala Buni described the signing as a major leap in efforts to open Yobe to global aviation, trade and investment opportunities.
Buni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful departure and arrival of the 2026 Hajj pilgrims through the airport, marking the first international passenger operations from MBICA.
He commended the Ministry of Transport and Energy, NAMA and other technical partners for their contributions, noting the airport would boost economic activities, jobs and infrastructure development across the state.
The ministry expressed readiness to work with NAMA, federal aviation agencies and technical stakeholders to fast-track the certification and preparedness of MBICA for commercial flights.
It also appreciated Buni for his leadership and sustained investment in infrastructure aimed at improving livelihoods in the state.
