The Yobe State Government has concluded key institutional engagements with relevant aviation agencies to facilitate the airlifting of intending pilgrims from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu, to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.

The Permanent Secretary, Yobe Ministry of Transport and Energy, Dr Mustapha Geidam, disclosed this in a statement issued in Damaturu on Tuesday.

Geidam said the milestone followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Yobe State Government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which, he said, was critical to achieving full certification of the airport.

He explained that the state government had earlier signed similar agreements with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), thereby completing the required institutional framework for the airport’s operations.

According to him, the collective agreements have placed MBICA in full compliance with the regulatory and operational requirements stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification.

“The state government confirms that all critical institutional, technical and safety requirements for certification have been substantially addressed,” Geidam said.

He added that the Aerodrome Manual and other key operational documents had been completed and harmonised in line with regulatory standards, while engagement with the NCAA was ongoing to facilitate inspection, validation and final approval.

Geidam further stated that the airport had now secured comprehensive operational coverage, including aerodrome management and airport operations by FAAN, air navigation and air traffic management services by NAMA, as well as aviation meteorological and weather forecasting services by NiMet.

He said the progress recorded underscored the 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.

“This includes Hajj and Umrah services, which will significantly ease travel for pilgrims from the state and neighbouring areas,” he noted.

The permanent secretary said the development was in line with the vision of Gov. Mai Mala Buni to position Yobe as a strategic aviation, logistics and economic hub in the North-East region.

According to him, the ministry is now focusing on securing final NCAA certification and operational clearance, strengthening capacity building and operational readiness of airport personnel, and sustaining coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to ensure seamless Hajj operations.

Geidam expressed optimism that the airport would be fully ready ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise, adding that the initiative would boost economic activities and enhance Yobe’s connectivity to international destinations.