UN unveils $3.4m solar-powered Maiduguri air service terminal

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The United Nations World Food Programme has unveiled a humanitarian air service terminal at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport Maiduguri to enhance the movement of people and humanitarian supplies to locations that can not be accessed by road in the North East.

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The 3.4 million dollars terminal was constructed with funding from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the United Nations World Food Programme, through the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service.

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Speaking during the unveiling on Thursday in Maiduguri, the Northeast Nigeria, Head of Area Office, United Nations World Food Programme, Emmanuel Bigenimana, said air services are an integral part of the humanitarian response that enables quick and safe delivery of assistance when and where they are needed most.

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“Today marks the completion of an important investment in the aviation infrastructure that enables humanitarian access across northeast Nigeria.

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“Air services are an integral part of the humanitarian response, enabling the delivery of assistance to locations that are inaccessible to organisations by road” he said.

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The new terminal, he said will strengthen the organisation’s capabilities, improve efficiency, enhance security and provide dedicated facilities for passengers, cargo and flight planning.

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“Every day, humanitarian flights departing from Maiduguri support operations serving hundreds of thousands of people. They enable organisations to deliver assistance, transport essential personnel and supplies, and sustain operations

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“The ability to move people and supplies efficiently is essential. Humanitarian operations depend on reliable access. This facility enables us to reach communities, sustain operations and respond when emergencies occur.”

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However, he noted that the terminal operates entirely on solar energy, complementing Nigeria’s ongoing investment in aviation infrastructure.

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“Importantly, this project leaves a lasting legacy. Once handed over to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, these facilities will continue to support the development and capacity of Maiduguri International Airport for years to come” he stated.

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“On behalf of the World Food Programme, I would like to thank the Government of Nigeria, its airport and aviation agencies, the Government of Borno State, FCDO, and our partners whose support and collaboration have made this project possible” he further remarked.

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Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Abdullahi Ganduje, said the terminal will enhance the delivery of food and medical supplies to communities that were displaced as a result of insurgency in the region.

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“In this occasion today, we have Commissioned this important terminal. This is a very important project. We believe, it will serve the people of Nigeria and especially the North-East geopolitical zone , and those who have been displaced by the insurgency and are in those areas that are difficult to reach.

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“We have to thank the federal government, the Borno State government, and in particular, the world food Programme and other stakeholders in aviation,” he said.

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In his remarks, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum observed that the establishment of the facility is a significant intervention that will enhance the delivery of humanitarian assistance through safe, efficient and reliable air services

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The governor who was represented by the state’s Executive Secretary, Agency for Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Response, Babakura Mamman noted that the terminal will also strengthen humanitarian operation in the region.

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“It is an attestation to the power of partnership, compassion and collective commitment towards supporting communities affected by crises and strengthening humanitarian operation in the North east geopolitical zone” he stressed.

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Arewa PUNCH reports that the facility consists of a UNHAS humanitarian terminal, and integrated office, a cargo office, and a flight planning centre. It also houses operational equipments including weather observation systems, X-ray machine, a public address system, staff access control systems, a conveyor belt, 64 CCTV cameras and arrival carousel.

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