Modern facilities, increased capacity, and cross-border connectivity position airport for major growth in passenger and cargo traffic….
Maiduguri International Airport’s terminal expansion project is nearly complete, with work reported to be about 90 percent finished, according to Ibrahim Bello, the airport’s International Terminal Manager.
Bello told journalists on Monday that the upgrade is the result of a partnership between the Borno State government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the federal Ministry of Aviation, aimed at modernising the airport’s facilities.
“FAAN submitted their design for the upgraded terminal, which was adopted. The state government then began the work, and we are now seeing the project approach full completion,” Bello said.
Upgraded Facilities and Passenger Capacity
The new terminal is equipped with digital check-in counters, integrated weighing scales, modern seating, screening machines, conveyor belts, and baggage carousels supplied by FAAN. The terminal’s passenger capacity will rise from fewer than 300 to around 500, enabling the airport to manage multiple flights simultaneously.
Bello emphasized Maiduguri’s strategic location near Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, which positions it as a potential regional aviation hub. Plans for international flights could include Maiduguri–N’Djamena and Maiduguri–Cameroon, with future routes possibly extending to Central African destinations such as Bangui.
“This airport uniquely borders three countries, giving it a competitive edge for regional operations. We are actively exploring this potential with FAAN headquarters,” Bello said.
Cargo and Hajj Operations
The airport is also poised to expand cargo operations, particularly for livestock and agricultural produce, along trade routes linking Maiduguri with neighbouring countries. Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Livestock to maximise this potential.
Despite lacking a dedicated Hajj terminal, Maiduguri functions as the Hajj operations centre for Borno and Yobe states, combining domestic and Hajj flights in one facility.
Bello noted that the airport anticipates significant growth in passenger traffic, especially from travellers who currently commute by road to Chad and Cameroon. The airport expects to serve smaller aircraft such as Embraer and Bombardier jets initially.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, previously stated that Maiduguri Airport would be developed as a regional cargo hub, supporting economic growth in Nigeria’s north-east.
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