By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a formal directive to the Gombe State Government to enhance safety and security protocols at the Maimalari International Airport, Lawanti, ahead of the 2026 Hajj airlift.
The mandate follows a comprehensive technical inspection by a NCAA team, aimed at evaluating the operational viability of the facility’s infrastructure and equipment to ensure the protection of passengers, airline operators, and the surrounding airport community.
During a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the team lead Ogumba Adeniyi emphasized that the oversight is a critical component of national aviation safety.
Supporting this stance, General Manager of Operations Adebayo Oladipo noted that the Minister of Aviation has ordered nationwide inspections to certify all gateways designated for Hajj operations.
Oladipo stressed that compliance is non-negotiable to avoid operational disruptions, stating, “Our job are to ensure safety and security across airports. Our goal is to collaborate with you the government and other relevant stakeholders to achieve common goal. We must therefore ensure certain security and safety measures are attended to otherwise Hajj airlift from Gombe could be delayed for a week or two for things to be put in order.”
The regulatory body underscored its authority to suspend operations at any facility that falls short of international benchmarks. Highlighting the gravity of the requirements, Adeniyi remarked, “It is possible for any airport to be denied the right to operate because of these reasons, and we come to have relationship with Gombe airport. So it is our duty to collaborate with you, not to take punitive measures or to deny you such. Our job is to work with you to achieve solution, so we will be ready to advise, and help. What I don’t want us to overlook is the fact that it is possible that we don’t conduct the operations if certain critical issues are not attended to.”
Technical findings presented by NCAA Regional and Zonal Manager, Engineer Shehu Muhammad Ango, identified several areas requiring urgent intervention.
The assessment revealed that critical infrastructure—including runway lighting, landing signage, fire tenders, and navigation equipment—requires immediate repair or total replacement. Furthermore, the authority called for a stabilized power supply to support essential flight operations.
Despite these concerns, Ango acknowledged the Governor’s previous responsiveness, which facilitated a successful Hajj exercise in the preceding year.
The airport’s Sole Administrator, Engineer Sulaiman Daniel Musa, confirmed that management accompanied the NCAA team throughout the inspection and expressed optimism that the state would resolve the technical gaps before the commencement of the Hajj airlift.
In response, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to maintaining high standards.
The Governor explained that the pace of certain upgrades had been influenced by the pending federal takeover of the facility, noting, “Because we knew the Federal government was taking over, we slowed down some of the things. So is not in our character to left public infrastructure in shady conditions, it is our airport, we normally had to ensure it is in good working condition.”
The Governor requested a detailed report outlining the specific areas for intervention and noted that the State Executive Council has already sanctioned contracts for perimeter fencing and other essential rehabilitation.
“Be rest assured, as a government, we shall continue to do our best to make sure at least the basics are provided for the airport. We are going to address these issues of safety and security, and we shall do the needful to ensure better service for our people,” he concluded.