The Federal Government officially named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna as a backup option to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The announcement came during the first flight ceremony of Overland Airways operating from the Minna airport.
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, shared the development while speaking at the event. According to him, the airport in Minna has all the features needed to serve both local and international travelers.
He pointed out that its runway, environment, and general setup make it suitable for large aircraft like Boeing 747s and Boeing 777s.
Keyamo said it was unclear why the Minna airport had not been put to full use for so long.
But now, with its recent upgrade and return to active service, it will take on an important role in Nigerian aviation.
He also directed agencies such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to begin operations in line with its new status.
The decision was made public during the resumption of direct flights from Minna to Lagos and Abuja, which had not been available for over 15 years.
The move is expected to boost air travel and reduce pressure on the Abuja airport, especially during emergencies or high traffic periods.
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