The Niger State Government has partnered with Overland Airways to commence commercial flight operations from the newly inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna. This landmark initiative, set to begin on April 23, 2025, marks the first official airline collaboration since the airport’s commissioning and is aimed at transforming air travel in North Central Nigeria.
According to Alhaji Liman Katamba Kutigi, Chief Operating Officer of New Niger Aviation (NNA), flights will initially operate between Minna and Abuja, and Minna and Lagos—two of Nigeria’s most critical hubs for politics and commerce. He described the launch as a milestone driven by the visionary leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the strategic framework of the New Niger Development Project (NNDP).
“This is not just the inauguration of a new flight route—it is the beginning of a transformative journey for Niger State,” said Alhaji Kutigi. “Through our partnership with Overland Airways, we are raising the bar for regional aviation, ensuring reliable, safe, and economically impactful air services for the people of Niger State and beyond.”
The establishment of commercial flights at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport is a cornerstone in Governor Bago’s broader vision to position Niger State as a powerhouse for infrastructure development, economic growth, tourism, and investment. The creation of New Niger Aviation as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has enabled focused oversight on aviation initiatives designed to modernize and energize the region.
Overland Airways, recognized as Nigeria’s oldest privately operated domestic airline, expressed pride in pioneering this new route. Its CEO, Captain Edward Boyo, said, “We are honored to be the inaugural airline to launch operations from this strategically positioned airport. Our partnership with Niger State is a testament to our shared vision of driving socio-economic development through improved connectivity.”
The Ministry of Transport in Niger State, working in tandem with the NNDP, emphasized the rigorous and intentional approach that went into operationalizing the airport—from infrastructure to regulatory compliance. “This airport reflects the spirit and ambition of a new Niger,” a ministry spokesperson said. “The Governor’s commitment has been unwavering, and what we’re witnessing today is just the beginning of a larger transformation.”
With Overland Airways taking the lead, and support from Governor Bago’s administration, the future of aviation in Niger State is set to take off—quite literally. This move is not only expected to improve mobility and ease of doing business but also to attract investors, boost tourism, and solidify Niger’s role in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
