By HOPE ABAH EMMANUEL, Makurdi

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in collaboration with the Benue State Government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the commencement of civil flights in Makurdi airport.

Daily Trust reports that the signing of the joint users’ agreement would henceforth allow for the smooth operations of civil flights from the Makurdi Air Force aerodrome which was earlier restricted.

It would be recalled that Air Peace commercial flights were forced to a halt after its initial commencement in November, last year because due process was not completed between FAAN and the NAF.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Government House in Makurdi, a representative of the Chief of Air Staff, AVM James Gwani, who is Chief of Training Air Operation in NAF, said the move was an indication of the Air Force’s Social Corporate Responsibility to Benue as its host community.

“The use of NAF aerodrome in Makurdi for civil flights is for the benefits of Benue people.

“It’s our way of responding to corporate responsibility by ensuring civil flights using our facility.

“Shortly, we shall see the multipliers effect on the economy of the state. We shall work with FAAN to ensure smooth operations,” he said.

On the other hand, Dr Clifford Mozeghian, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FAAN and other stakeholders in the aviation industry, said he was elated over the opening of Makurdi aerodrome for civil flights operations.

He said, “NAF signs a joint user agreement for both civil and NAF operation.

“FAAN under the joint user agreement will be responsible for the operation of the Makurdi airport which will include commercial flights, agricultural and VIP flights.

“We shall work to meet our responsibility in the joint agreement.”

Responding, Governor Samuel Ortom expressed delight that businesses that hitherto should have been established in the state but couldn’t due to non-availability of flight will now begin to flourish with important personalities coming into the state without fears of insecurity.

“Benue state had been for a long time deleted from Nigeria map because of no flight.

“Some distinguish personalities who wanted to work with us couldn’t do so because of flights, they are denied such opportunity and we too are denied the opportunity because of insecurity.

“The challenge had been air traffic. I believe that in a short while many things about Benue will now change and the economy of our people will grow,” the governor added. (Daily Trust)