NCAA Recommends Facility Boost at Gombe Airport to Support Hajj Operations
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
A delegation from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has advised the Gombe State Government to accelerate the upgrade of key infrastructure at Gombe Airport to guarantee seamless and safe flight operations ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The team, headed by Engineer Ango-Shehu Mohammed, made the recommendation during a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, on Wednesday in Gombe.
Addressing government officials, Mohammed praised the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for its sustained commitment to improving aviation facilities, noting that the airport has witnessed significant development in recent years.
He, however, pointed out that more targeted investment is required to further strengthen operational safety, particularly in the area of airfield lighting systems. He explained that efficient runway lighting and its routine maintenance are essential for safe aircraft movement, especially during low-visibility conditions and night operations.
The NCAA official also identified other areas that require urgent attention, including the acquisition of high-capacity firefighting equipment and the installation of advanced navigational systems to enhance flight precision during take-off and landing.
According to him, these improvements are critical to ensuring the airport meets the demands of the forthcoming Hajj airlift.
Responding, Njodi said the pace of intervention by the state government had previously slowed due to uncertainty surrounding the planned takeover of the airport by the Federal Government.
He added that the state has since resumed development efforts, including the award of a contract worth over ₦600 million for perimeter fencing and other rehabilitation works at the airport.
The SSG assured the visiting delegation that the government would carefully study the authority’s technical report and take necessary steps to address any identified gaps.
“We will review your recommendations and act in the best interest of the travelling public and the nation at large,” he said.
Njodi reiterated the government’s resolve to prioritise safety and ensure that the airport is fully prepared to handle the expected traffic for the 2026 Hajj operations.
