Niger State government has opened talks with private airline operators with a view to commencing commercial flights in the state-owned airport soon. 
  
Governor Mohammed Bago gave the hint while inspecting the reconstruction of the runway and terminals at the Minna International Airport, Maikunkele.
  
Expressing worry over the slow pace of work on the terminal, Bago said the state would invite the contractor handling the job to discuss its immediate completion.
  
He noted that completion of the terminal would set the ball rolling for the resumption of commercial flight at the airport.
  
On the runway project, the governor expressed delight with the quality of work done, expressing optimism that the work would be handed over before August 15, 2023.
  
The contractor had assured that he would meet up with the date, as asphalt would be laid by Tuesday next week, and that aircraft would land on it as from August 16.