The Yobe Ministry of Transport and Energy has completed institutional engagements with key aviation agencies for transporting intending pilgrims from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 hajj.

Mustapha Geidam, the ministry’s permanent secretary, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said the engagements were completed with Tuesday’s signing of a memorandum of understanding by the state government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency for full certification of MBICA.

Mr Geidam said the state had earlier signed other memoranda with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

“Collectively, these agreements place Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in full alignment with the regulatory and operational framework prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for airport certification.

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

“The Aerodrome Manual and other operational documents have been completed and harmonised with regulatory standards, while engagement with NCAA continues to facilitate inspection, validation and final approval,” Mr Geidam said.

He said MBICA had now secured comprehensive coverage for aerodrome management and airport operations by FAAN, air navigation and air traffic management services by NAMA and aviation meteorological and weather forecasting services by NiMet.

Mr Geidam said the progress recorded underscored the Yobe government’s unwavering commitment to delivering a fully functional international cargo and passenger airport capable of supporting scheduled commercial flights and special aviation operations, including Hajj and Umrah services.

He said the ministry was currently 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.

(NAN)