BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has announced a bold initiative aimed at attracting agro-allied investors to the Damaturu Cargo International Airport.
The state government is offering free land and a range of other incentives to investors willing to capitalize on the strategic advantages of the newly completed airport.
Governor Buni, speaking through Dr. Mustapha Gaidam, Permanent Secretary of the Yobe State Ministry of Transport and Energy, made this announcement at the 2024 Airport Business Summit in Lagos.
He emphasised that with its 3.6-kilometer runway, advanced terminal building, and state-of-the-art aeronautical equipment, the Damaturu Cargo International Airport is uniquely positioned to become a major hub for agro-allied businesses.
The Governor highlighted the airport’s strategic location, which offers immense potential for the export of agricultural products, particularly livestock, from Yobe State to neighboring countries and global markets.
“Yobe State is the largest producer of livestock in Nigeria, and the airport presents a golden opportunity to transform our agricultural wealth into significant economic gains,” Governor Buni stated.
“By facilitating the export of livestock and other agro-allied products, we can generate substantial revenue for both the state and the federal government,” he said.
Dr. Gaidam reinforced this vision by recounting the observations of an expert who installed some of the airport’s cutting-edge aeronautical equipment.
The expert noted that the infrastructure and technology at Damaturu International Airport are on par with those found in developed countries, particularly in the United Arab Emirates.
This according to him underscores the airport’s readiness to handle sophisticated operations and high-volume traffic.
“In Yobe State, we witness thousands of trucks transporting livestock and their byproducts daily to various parts of Nigeria, especially Lagos,” Dr. Gaidam noted.
He however said the potential for exporting these products internationally remains largely untapped.
His words; “This airport provides an excellent platform for investors to build warehouses and storage facilities, creating a robust supply chain for the export of our abundant agricultural produce and livestock.”
Governor Buni’s offer of free land is a significant incentive for investors.
The airport spans a vast landmass of approximately 2.5 by 5 kilometers, providing ample space for agro-allied businesses to establish operations.
“The Governor is fully committed to supporting investors by offering land at no cost for agro-allied ventures,” Dr. Gaidam affirmed.
Addressing concerns about security, Dr. Gaidam assured prospective investors that the airport is well-protected.
“We have a dedicated battalion of the Nigerian military stationed at the airport to ensure its security”, he stressed.
“Moreover, the overall security situation in the North-East has significantly improved, making Yobe State a safe and stable environment for investment,” he said.
The initiative by the Yobe State Government reflects a forward-thinking approach to leveraging the state’s agricultural resources, positioning the Damaturu Cargo International Airport as a key player in Nigeria’s agro-allied export industry.
Investors are encouraged to seize this opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the economic transformation underway in Yobe State.
