Auwal Hasan – BAUCHI

Bauchi state governor Bala Muhammad says that his administration is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to make the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport a cargo terminal in order to open up more business avenues to the state.

The governor who stated this on Wednesday while flagging off the commencement of flight operations by Aero Contractors in Bauchi, also reassures his administration’s determination to make the state a business hub for the North East.

Bala Muhammad says the state already has natural resources that can attract investors to come and venture into other business activities.

In his words: “We have already discussed with India and others investors who want to come and build something here.”

He added that: “As a country, as a community, we are always trying to build human capacity, human capital that recognises potentials in investment, opening up communities, states and local governments.”

The governor therefore thanked the management of Fly Aero Contractors for bringing their business to Bauchi, assuring them of the state government’s maximum support and cooperation.

He says: “I think captain Mahmood has stood out as one of the best Aviation businessmen that without our own inkling or anything, he decided to carry out, as a company, their due diligent on Bauchi. We are grateful for that.”

Governor Mohammed thanked Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika for recognising the Bauchi International Airport as the hub for the North East.

He said:” Aero Contractors, we are really assuring you that you will not regret this adventure of coming here. Whatever it takes, we will do everything that we have to do to make sure that this fraternity that you have established is given some inch of profitability in a commercial manner.”

“I assure you that our security in Bauchi is good and the business climate is good and we will make sure that all government offices and travels would be tailored towards making sure you are given patronage.”

Bala Muhammad however called on governors of the neighbouring states to take advantage of the initiative by Aero Contractors.

“Now you can go to Yobe in one and a half hours, Jigawa in one and a half hours, Jos in one hour and even Taraba here in one and a half hours; so, naturally it is the best place to be, and I assure you that we will develop this place into a cargo area,” he said.

He added that: “We thank Aero Contractors for this spirit of brotherhood and we will not take you for granted; we will make sure we do everything as a government to keep you afloat.

Bala Mohammed who was excited by the new development said; “with the coming of Aero airline, competition has been introduced into the industry. Let me inform you that this company approached us to come in unlike the one we had to persuaded to come.”

He then promised that government will support the airline in order to keep flying in and out of the state saying that, “if it means giving subsidy and other financial support, we will do just that to keep you on this route.”

Earlier, the Managing Director of Aero Airlines, Captain Abdullahi Mahmoud, assured that there will be regular flights in and out of Bauchi because according to him, the airline is in business to serve humanity.

Abdullahi Mahmood added that with time, the airline will increase the flight schedule in and out of Bauchi saying that the route is one of its resolve to open up the country’s aviation industry and boost economic development.