In a bid to boost economic activities and agriculture, the federal government in partnership with Niger state government, has officially launched a new commercial flight route connecting Minna to Abuja via Lagos.
With flights which will operate three times a week; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays is expected to open the state to commercial activities especially agriculture.
Addressing news men in Abuja on Wednesday after the inaugural flight from Minna landed at the Ndamdi Azikiwe Airport, Addressing the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, expressed gratitude for the milestone, calling it a “dream come true.”
He described the launch, which took place at the newly upgraded Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, as symbolic of the state’s renewed push toward economic transformation.
“It felt like closing your eyes and opening them again; it all happened so fast.
“We are grateful to the management of ValueJet for this route. With flights now operating three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Niger is officially open to the skies of the world,” he said.
The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary support and enabling infrastructure to actualize the project.
He also commended the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, for their partnership and support.
“The newly launched route is more than just a transportation upgrade; it forms a critical component of Niger state’s broader vision for industrial and agricultural transformation,” he said.
The governor unveiled ambitious projects surrounding the airport, including Africa’s largest greenhouse complex, an agro-processing free trade zone, and the first Hilton-branded hotel in Northern Nigeria.
“These initiatives are designed to attract traffic and investment.
“We’re delivering fresh flowers and agro-processed goods across Africa, and building a sustainable ecosystem around our airport city, ” Bago stated.
In his remarks, minister of information and national orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the development is a sign that states can achieve great things if they partner with the federal government.
“This is one great example the Niger State Government has shown that the states can indeed come together with the federal government to collaborate in order to bring prosperity to Nigeria,” he said.
He described it as “a landmark example” of federal-state collaboration under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said: “This is a testament to what can be achieved when sub-nationals and the federal government work hand-in-hand.
“The governor’s passion for opening Niger State to commerce and industry is admirable, and this is just the beginning.”
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Agriculture Senator Aliyu Abdullahi highlighted how the federal government is partnering with states like Niger to unlock the potential of agro-industrial development.
“With the agro-processing free trade zone linked to this airport, we are ensuring our produce can reach markets faster and fresher.
“Niger is leading by example, and we are proud to support this vision of a N1 trillion economy,” he said.