The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled a $3.4 million (N4.7 billion) UNHAS facility in the Northeast region of the country.

The humanitarian air service facility sited at the Muhammadu Bukarti International Airport (MBIA), Maiduguri, Borno state is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDC) through the United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS).

Speaking at the commissioning of the multi-billion naira project air service facility on Thursday in Maiduguri, the WFP Country Director, represented by Emmanuel Begenimana disclosed: “UNHAS infrastructure development for an enhanced Humanitarian access to the vulnerable populations ie North-East Nigeria*

He added that the project has strengthened humanitarian aviation operations in northeast Nigeria through the construction of dedicated aviation facilities, enhanced security systems, improved flight safety equipment and sustainable energy infrastructure.

“The investment iin facility mproves the speed, safety and reliability of humanitarian air services, while leaving a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s aviation secto,” he said.
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The WFP representative further revealed that the project has delivered a purpose-built aviation complex comprising a UNHAS passenger terminal, office building, cargo office and flight planning centre. All facilities were constructed as reinforced safe rooms designed to withstand external security threats.

Beyond completing air service facility Begenimana stated, “This new infrastructure provides a dedicated operational hub for humanitarian aviation activities in north-east Nigeria, by improving what he described as, the management and coordination of flights serving humanitarian organizations operating across the region.

He explained that the dedicated terminal in the region has significantly improved operational efficiency by reducing aircraft turnaround times and streamlining passenger and cargo handling processes.

Besides the completion of the air service project, the WFP representative stated: “The facilities support faster deployment of humanitarian personnel and critical supplies to locations that are often inaccessible by road, particularly during emergencies and periods of heightened insecurity.

The project has also reduced congestion at Maiduguri International Airport, benefiting both humanitarian and civilian airport operations.

Enhancing Security and Passenger SafetA comprehensive security system has been installed across the aviation complex, including advanced passenger and baggage screening equipment, access control systems and airport-wide surveillance.

The facility includes three X-ray screening systems for passengers and baggage, dual-view X-ray scanning technology,walk-through metal detection systems, access control systems protecting restricted areas, 64 CCTV cameras providing continuous monitoring and real-time alerts”

According to him, these measures strengthen passenger safety, improve cargo screening and provide comprehensive security coverage across the terminal complex.

He stated that the airport facilities will support safer flight operatios with strengthened aviation safety through the procurement of an Automatic Weather Observation System (AWOS), including visibility monitoring, cloud height measurement, rainfall monitoring and temperature sensing equipment.

Responding to the UNHAS facilities at the MBIA Maiduguri, the FAAN board Chairman, who was visibly excited said UNHAs could deliver emergency relief materials other life-saving support to the vulnerable populations in hard to reach areas of the region comprising six states.

He, therefore urged WFP and other development partners to sustain the partnership at the federal and state levels by teaching people who are in dire needs to live in dignity in their communities.