Minna-Abuja inaugural flight indicates FG, states synergy for National Development — Information Minister
By Matthew Denis
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stressed the vital need for robust collaboration between state governments and the Federal Government to advance the nation’s development goals.
This was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister’s Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim.
The Minister made the comments following the arrival of the inaugural commercial flight from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He pointed out that national progress can only be achieved through effective synergy between all levels of government, combining resources, aligning policies, and coordinating efforts to ensure meaningful governance for the Nigerian people.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, named after the President, was constructed by the administration of Umaru Bago in Niger State.
“One of the key issues we must focus on is the kind of collaboration that Mr. President frequently calls for between the Federal Government and state governments,” Idris said. “This is a prime example showing that states can indeed collaborate with the Federal Government to bring prosperity to Nigerians.”
The inaugural commercial flight, operated by Overland Air with Registration Number 5N-CCN, landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 1:32 pm, carrying passengers including the Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, Minister Idris, former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and other high-ranking officials.
Minister Idris expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for creating the enabling environment that led to the successful launch of operations at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna. He noted that the milestone is a reflection of the President’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and improving connectivity nationwide.
Idris also commended Governor Bago for his visionary leadership in driving agricultural, commercial, and industrial growth in Niger State. He described the Governor’s efforts as an exemplary demonstration of passion and dedication to the state’s progress and the welfare of its people.
“We must acknowledge our President, as our Governor has rightly said. This is truly a dream realised. The Governor has worked tirelessly to make this happen. His dedication to opening up Niger State for agriculture, commerce, and industry is commendable,” he remarked.
In his speech, Governor Bago explained that the inaugural flight was a step towards integrating Niger State into the global network.
“The management of Overland has been very generous in providing this new aircraft to fly from Lagos to Minna, and now from Minna to Abuja. This service will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This is a route-opening flight, symbolising our effort to open up Niger State to the world,” Bago said.
He also revealed plans to capitalise on Niger State’s agricultural potential by exporting produce through the airport, aiming to enhance the state’s economic profile and position it as a key player in agro-exportation.
