• 10 years after, Minna airport resumes operation with Overland commercial flights
From John Adams, Minna
After almost a decade of inactivity, the newly inaugurated Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Airport, Minna, Niger State, resumed operations with commercial flights by Overland Airways, bringing great relief to air travellers in the state.
For over 20 years, air travellers to and from Niger State were faced with the pains and frustration of travelling to Abuja, a trip of three hours, before connecting flights to their destinations due to inactivity at the airport.
This is expected to boost economic activities and facilitate government and private businesses. The development is the result of a partnership between the airline and the Niger State Government, aimed at boosting investor access and economic activity towards the realisation of the “New Niger Agenda.”
Overland had operated under a deal with former governor Babangida Aliyu’s administration in 2010. The services were halted due to poor infrastructure at the airport. Since then the airport has continued to play host to only private airlines on routine visits.
At inception, the state government took over the remodelling of the airport to international standards when Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago secured the Federal Government’s approval. This led to the completion of the runway and the construction of a new terminal within 90 days. The airport now boasts of a fully furnished Domestic Terminal. It was named after the President and inaugurated on March 11, 2024. The construction of the long-abandoned Hajj Terminal has been completed and is now fully operational and currently reviving Hajj operations after years of a hiatus.
These projects, executed in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), underscore the commitment to national aviation standards. Construction of cargo and international terminals will be completed within 12 months to strengthen the airport’s status as a transportation hub. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an Instrumental Landing System (ILS) and Distance Measuring Equipment, the airport will be an alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
With the airport remodelled and upgraded to international standards, a fresh agreement was signed between the state government and the management of the Overland Airlines to resume commercial flights to Abuja and Lagos, for a start. Governor Bago said: “Commencement of commercial flights from the airport is a significant step in our concerted efforts to expand and develop the economy of the state. It will attract investment into the state’s economy, especially in the areas of comparative advantage, such as agribusiness, solid minerals and other sectors.
“As we are all aware, the Niger Foods has a processing zone domiciled in the airport to cultivate greenhouse and halal meat products to be airlifted to other parts of the world. This will have a multiplier effect on the state’s economy, such as creating jobs and internally-generated revenue. “In line with the President’s approval of this international airport as an Agricultural Free Trade Processing Zone and our determination to commence commercial flights, this airport will now serve as a logistics hub for agro-export and import, creating new opportunities for agribusinesses in the state. This airport is so important to his agricultural revolution programme in the state.
“With a functional airport and a world-class agro-processing zone with an initial capacity of about 2,000 hectares of land where vegetables, fruits, dairy and other livestock activities will take place, it will be easy to fly agricultural goods anywhere in the world. The New Niger Aviation Special Purpose Vehicle will manage the airport and related aviation infrastructure in the state. Our objective is to develop a comprehensive gain for the people of Niger State.
“Our partnership with Overland Airways is a step toward better air travel access. Initial routes include Minna-Abuja and Minna-Lagos. These routes reduce the burden of road travel and ease business movement. We are working to secure international airline partnerships. We aim to connect Niger State to the world. We are making Niger a hub for trade, investment and innovative ideals that will create a prosperous, competitive and forward-looking state.”
The inaugural flight took place on April 23, 2025, connecting Minna to Abuja and Lagos. Overland Airways’ CEO, Captain Edward Boyo, credited the revival of the operation to the leadership of Bago and the coordinated efforts of the New Niger Development Project and New Niger Aviation a special purpose vehicle managing the state’s aviation sector.
He maintained that the flight resumption would open up exciting opportunities for African travel agents: “This strategic move connects Minna to Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria’s major commercial hubs and promises to stimulate trade, tourism and economic growth in the region.
“This expansion marks a significant milestone for Niger State, enhancing its accessibility and integration into Nigeria’s national air transport network. The new routes, operating three times a week, utilise Overland Airways’ modern Embracer 175 jets, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers. This development is poised to transform Minna into a key travel hub, facilitating business and leisure travel within the region.”
Former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, said: “The resumption of commercial flights is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Overland and the Niger State Government, particularly Governor Bago, whose vision for a connected and prosperous Niger State has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.”
Vatsa was recently redeployed as Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Media Strategy: “The coming alive of the remolded airport, a key element of the state’s economic development strategy, is now poised to become a catalyst for growth, attracting investment and boosting trade in the region.
“This visual representation underscores the enhanced accessibility of Niger State and the potential for increased travel flow within the region. Air transportation is key to the growth of any economy in the world.”
The inaugural flight was witnessed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for enabling the successful commencement of operations at the airport: “It’s a testament to the President’s commitment to advancing infrastructure and strengthening national connectivity.”
Other attendees at the included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and the Managing Director, FAAN, represented by Dr. Luqman Olatunbosun Emiola.