AFTER a long delay, civil flights are set to resume to and from the Military Airport in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital.
AS part of the arrangements to commence the flights this month, a Joint Use Agreement between the Nigeria Air Force, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and Nigeria Meteorological Agency was recently signed at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
FOLLOWING this development, those who could not access Benue due to deplorable state of roads and insecurity on our roads can easily visit the state by air just like those wishing to travel out of the state.
THE civil flights which include: Commercial flights, VIP flights, agricultural flights, Airlift of electoral materials and staff of medical emergency patients and medical personnel, as well as airlift of relief materials. This would boost the potential of Benue in terms of trade, agriculture, tourism and investment. It will also improve the standard of living of Benue people.
THE resumption of civil flight in Makurdi will also create job opportunities for Benue people and attract investors into the state.
WE have no doubt that the Air Force Military Airport in Makurdi, which was constructed in 1983, has the capacity and enough facilities to carry out commercial and other flights. We however call for improved facilities at the airport to attract more patronage.
WE urge security agencies in the state to guarantee security of passengers and avert any breach of law and order in and around the airport.