The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigeria Air Force (NAF) have signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to resume civil flight operations in Makurdi.
The Next Edition reports that with this agreement, flight operations would resume in December.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Makurdi, on Monday, the FAAN Director of Legal, Dr. Clifford Omozeghian, said the civil aviation operations would serve as a catalyst for the development of Benue state.
He promised to deliver on the terms of the memorandum entered into saying the flight route would be from Makurdi to Abuja to Lagos and Lagos to Abuja to Makurdi.
Also, the Chief of Air Staff (COAS), Air Marshal Ishaku Amao, said the signing of joint user agreement for the civil flight operations was to fulfill their Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) and to further strengthen their relationship with the host community.
Represented by the Air Officer Training and Operations, AVM James Gwani, the COAS said the Air Force had enjoyed a good relationship with the Benue Government and people over the years.
He expressed the hope that as the operations commence, “we hope to begin to see the proceeds manifest in the economy and the lives of the Benue people.”
He wished the company, Air Peace, and the Benue populace an unhindered civil flights in and out of Makurdi saying “we are looking forward to a good working relationship with the people and a safe flight in and out of Makurdi.”
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Governor Samuel Ortom commended both NAF and FAAN for allowing flight operations in the state, noting that the bad nature of Nigerian roads coupled with insecurity had made air travel the safest in the country.
“I believe that with the resumption of flight operations, within a short time things would begin to change in the state and the state’s economy of would also improve.
He said that NAF in particular had been of great support in the state, adding that facilities in the command, such as hospital, the Aerodrome, among others, had been of great use to the people in the state.
“This is an epoch making occasion and I know that within the shortest possible time, the proceeds will come in and the economy of our people will begin to grow,” the Governor said.
Ortom further appreciated the Nigeria Airforce as been partners in progress providing education, health and other relief materials for Benue citizens during their hard times.
