The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, has officially been named the alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. This was announced by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the launch of commercial flight operations by Overland Airways at the Minna airport.

Keyamo praised the airport’s infrastructure, strategic location, and runway capacity, noting its capability to handle large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Boeing 777. “This facility has everything… The fact that it has remained underutilised for so long is baffling,” he said.

Invoking his authority as Aviation Minister, Keyamo directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to immediately begin coordination, solidifying Minna’s status as Abuja’s backup aviation hub.

Located approximately 150 kilometres from the nation’s capital, the airport—formerly known as Abubakar Imam International Airport—was renamed in March 2024 to honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Keyamo stated that the new designation will help ease air traffic in Abuja, especially during maintenance or high-traffic periods. He added that the decision is part of a broader plan to decentralize aviation services, stimulate economic activity, and improve logistics, trade, and tourism in the North-Central region.

Overland Airways made history as the first commercial carrier to operate from the upgraded airport, signaling a renewed government focus on regional aviation infrastructure.

The minister also revealed upcoming development plans for the Minna airport, including enhanced passenger terminals, modern navigation systems, and cargo facilities. “Our vision is to create a robust, resilient, and regionally balanced aviation system. Minna is now officially part of that future,” Keyamo affirmed.