Yobe
Damaturu Airport Cleared for 2026 Pilgrims’ Airlift to Saudi Arabia
Damaturu Airport Cleared for 2026 Pilgrims’ Airlift to Saudi Arabia
By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu
The Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA) in Damaturu has received full certification from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to facilitate the 2026 airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
The certification follows a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Yobe State Government, FAAN, and NAMA, marking a major milestone in the state’s aviation and pilgrimage preparations.
Revealing the development in Damaturu, the Director General of Press and Media Affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni confirmed that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has also signed off on the final MoU, completing the necessary institutional approvals required for the safe transport of pilgrims.
“The tripartite agreements place the new cargo airport fully in line with the regulatory and operational frameworks set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification,” the DG said.
The MoU with NiMET was signed on 15th December 2025 at the agency’s headquarters, with the Yobe State Government represented by Commissioner of Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammed Bara, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam. Prof. Charles Anthony, Director General/CEO of NiMET, witnessed the signing.
Officials confirmed that all critical technical, institutional, and safety requirements have been met, including the completion and harmonization of the Aerodrome Manual and other operational documentation with national and international aviation standards.
With this certification, MBICA is now fully equipped to handle the logistics and operational demands of next year’s pilgrimage airlift, positioning Yobe State as a key hub in Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
Damaturu Airport Cleared for 2026 Pilgrims’ Airlift to Saudi Arabia.
Yobe Sets High Alert: Governor Buni Orders Tight Security for Christmas, New Year Festivities
By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has ordered tight security during the Christmas and New Year festivities to ensure the protection of people’s lives and property in the state.
Accordingly, the police and other security agencies are to remain alert by scaling up their operations during Christmas, Boxing Day, and the New Year holidays.
Buni, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Gubana Barde, gave the order yesterday during the 15th State Security Coordination Committee meeting held at the Government House, Damaturu.
While addressing the stakeholders of security, Gubana stated, “The prevailing restored peace in the state should not breed complacency in protecting life and property during Christmas and New Year festivities across the state, including the border communities with Niger.
He, therefore, urged the security agencies to effectively collaborate in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities, stating that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring public safety in the state.
He urged the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, to ensure that all the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders enforce the highest level of security alerts in their respective jurisdictions.
Highlighting the police’s commitment to public safety, the Commissioner reiterated that Buni’s directives on hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations will be complied with in securing people’s lives and property.
Yobe Sets High Alert: Governor Buni Orders Tight Security for Christmas, New Year Festivities
Damaturu Airport Cleared for 2026 Pilgrims’ Airlift to Saudi Arabia
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