Hajj 2026: Yobe Govt. Steps Up Efforts to Airlift Pilgrims from Damaturu Airport
By Ahmed Isah
The Yobe State Government has intensified efforts to commence airlifting of 2026 Hajj pilgrims from Damaturu with a key aviation agreement signed with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The agreement is a final Memorandum of Understanding to support full certification and operational readiness of the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport for Hajj airlift to Saudi Arabia.
The MoU completes required institutional engagements with federal aviation agencies, following earlier agreements with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
The state government said the agreements collectively align the airport with regulatory and operational frameworks prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
The MoU with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency was signed on Dec. 15, 2025, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Muhammad Muhammed Bara, signed on behalf of the Yobe State Government, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam.
The Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Prof. Charles Anosike, signed for the agency, in the presence of its management staff.
With the agreement, the airport now has full coverage for aerodrome management, air navigation services and aviation meteorological services required for international flight operations.
The state government said critical institutional, technical and safety requirements for certification had been substantially addressed.
It added that the Aerodrome Manual and other operational documents had been completed and harmonised with regulatory standards, while engagement with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority continued for inspection and final approval.
The government said the progress underscored its commitment to ensuring that pilgrims from Yobe and neighbouring states could be airlifted directly from Damaturu.
It reaffirmed determination to commence Hajj operations from the airport during the 2026 Hajj season.
The government said current efforts were focused on securing final certification, strengthening operational readiness of airport personnel and sustaining coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and other stakeholders.
It added that the airport would support scheduled commercial flights and special aviation operations, including Hajj and Umrah airlift services.
