By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri 

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has commissioned the newly constructed and equipped terminal with an office complex, aimed at enhancing the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) across hard-to-reach communities in the state and the North East in general. 

Sited at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, the facility and the office, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), through the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), is worth 3.4 million Dollars are powered entirely by solar energy through a 239 kVA solar installation comprising 400 solar panels.

The system generates approximately 500 kWh of electricity each day, exceeding average operational requirements while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

While officially unveiling the facility on Thursday, Governor Zulum, who was represented by the Executive Secretary for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Borno State, Dr. Babakura Kadai, said, “the facility will enhance humanitarian coordination, increase operational efficiency, and facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance to vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities throughout the state and the wider North East Region”.

Zulum commended FCDO, WFP, UNHAS, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and other stakeholders for bringing the project to reality.

The UK FCDO Development Director, Cynthia Rowe, in her remarks said, “with funding from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), through the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), has completed a major infrastructure project at Maiduguri International Airport in Borno State, Nigeria.

“The project, which started in April 2024 to March 2026, will strengthen humanitarian aviation operations in northeast Nigeria through the dedicated aviation facilities, enhanced security systems, improved flight safety equipment and sustainable energy infrastructure”. 

Rowe also noted that the investment will improve the speed, safety and reliability of humanitarian air services while leaving a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

In his goodwill message, the former Governor of Kano state, and now Board Chairman of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said: “The establishment of the facility is a significant intervention that will enhance the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and services.

Ganduje assured that FAAN and other partners would align with their mandate to provide world-class airport infrastructure and services that contribute to national development and the well-being of the Nigerian people, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier in his welcome address, the WFP Representative and Country Director, Katrina Ghoos, said the new infrastructure, apart from providing a dedicated operational hub for humanitarian aviation activities in north-east Nigeria, it would also improve the management and coordination of flights serving humanitarian organisations operating across the region.