Governor Mohammed Meets Aviation Chiefs, Moves to Resolve Longstanding Bauchi Airport Challenge

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

Governor Bala Mohammed of  Bauchi  State has taken decisive steps to resolve a major challenge affecting flight operations at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.

The governor, on Friday, met separately with the Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk, at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

According to his aide, Rilwanu Toro, discussions focused on addressing the airport’s incomplete Instrument Landing System (ILS), a situation that has long complicated aircraft landings, especially under poor visibility conditions.

Governor Mohammed had earlier directed the repair of the airport’s localizer, which subsequently made the existing VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) navigational aid functional. This improvement recently earned public praise from a Rano Air pilot, who, during a flight to Abuja, commended the repairs for making landings into Bauchi safer and more comfortable. The pilot, however, urged that the system be fully completed with the installation of a functional Glide Path (GP).

At the end of the meeting, the governor secured commitments from both NiMet and NAMA to fast-track the procurement and installation of the outstanding ILS components. The move, once completed, is expected to permanently resolve the airport’s navigation challenges, enhance operational safety, and boost air connectivity for Bauchi State.