Yobe Plans Airlifting 2026 Pilgrims from MBICA
The Yobe State Government has concluded critical institutional arrangements required to airlift pilgrims from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu, to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Ministry of Transport and Energy confirmed that the latest milestone followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), a move that advances the airport’s full certification process.
The agreement complements earlier memoranda executed with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
With the partnerships in place, MBICA now operates within the regulatory and operational standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
State officials said the agreements collectively address essential institutional, technical and safety benchmarks required for airport certification.
The ministry also disclosed that the Aerodrome Manual and other mandatory operational documents have been completed and aligned with national aviation regulations. Engagements with the NCAA are ongoing to facilitate inspection, validation and final approval.
Under the current framework, FAAN will oversee aerodrome management and airport operations, NAMA will provide air navigation and traffic management services, while NiMet will deliver aviation meteorological and weather forecasting support.
Officials described the progress as a major step toward making the Damaturu airport fully operational for both cargo and passenger services, including scheduled commercial flights as well as special operations such as Hajj and Umrah airlifts.
The state government added that the development reflects its broader strategy to transform Yobe into an aviation, logistics and economic hub in the North-East, in line with the development agenda of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Attention is now focused on securing final NCAA certification and operational clearance, enhancing the capacity and readiness of airport personnel, and maintaining close coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to ensure a seamless pilgrimage operation in 2026.
