The Senate has urged the Ministry of Aviation to immediately begin upgrading the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport for international operations.

The Senate’s resolution at plenary on Wednesday followed the consideration and adoption of a motion on the need to upgrade the airport to begin international operations.

The motion was sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno) and co-sponsored by eight other senators.

Mr Ndume, in his lead debate, underscored the importance of airport infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, foreign direct investment, and socio-economic development.

He stressed the urgent need to upgrade the airport to an internationally operated facility in the North-East, with equipment like the international runways and tarmacs, among others.

The senator noted that, among all six geopolitical zones of the country, only the North-East has no international airport.

According to him, given the fact that Borno has borders with three countries, namely Chad, Cameroun, and Niger, the presence of an international airport would enhance the efficient and effective movement of goods and people from Nigeria and across the world.

He said this would further help to reduce excess pressure on the road and infrastructure within the zone.

Mr Ndume stated that if upgraded, the airport would provide a communication link, which, he said, was vital among the various groups within the region.

The senator also said that the upgrade of the airport would attract foreign investments, enhance economic development, improve the quality of life of the people in the zone, and increase the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

In its resolution, the Senate mandated its committee on aviation to follow up and report back within eight weeks.

(NAN)