Ibrahim Bello, international terminal manager of Maiduguri International Airport, has announced that the ongoing expansion and modernisation of the airport terminal is about 90 percent complete.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking with journalists in Maiduguri on Monday, Bello said the project is the result of a partnership between Borno State Government, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Federal Ministry of Aviation, all working to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure.
Bello said, “The minister directed all aviation agencies to submit their upgrade plans. FAAN provided a design for the new terminal, which was approved and implemented immediately by the state government. The project took some time, but thankfully, it is now over 90 percent completed.”
According to him, the new terminal will feature modern check-in counters with integrated weighing systems, enhanced passenger amenities, and upgraded facilities supplied by FAAN including new seating, screening machines, conveyor belts, and baggage carousels.
Once completed, the terminal will accommodate up to 500 passengers at once, nearly doubling the previous capacity and allowing the airport to manage multiple flights more efficiently.
Bello emphasised Maiduguri’s strategic location as a potential regional aviation hub, noting its proximity to Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
He said, “It’s the only airport in Nigeria bordering three countries, which gives us a major advantage. We’re already discussing with FAAN headquarters how to leverage this position for regional operations.”
The manager revealed that once international operations commence, the airport plans to open regional routes such as Maiduguri–N’Djamena and Maiduguri–Cameroon, with possible extensions to Central African destinations like Bangui.
Bello said the airport is working closely with immigration, customs, border control, and DSS to ensure readiness for international flights.
The manager added that the airport currently serves as a Hajj operations centre for both Borno and Yobe states, even without a dedicated Hajj terminal.
He said, “We’ve had to run both domestic and Hajj operations within the same terminal, which has been challenging, but FAAN’s support has helped us manage effectively.”
Bello also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Livestock to enhance cargo operations, particularly for livestock and agricultural exports through routes connecting Maiduguri with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
He said, “There’s enormous cargo potential here that can be developed. Just recently, officials from the livestock ministry visited to explore how to make this possible.”
The manager noted that with the upcoming regional routes, many travellers who currently go by road to neighbouring countries are expected to switch to air travel.
Bello added that the projected passenger volume would suit smaller aircraft such as Embraer and Bombardier jets.
