Amanze Chinonye
Bayelsa State has acquired two aircraft to kick-start commercial flight operations at the Bayelsa International Airport, Yenagoa a move Governor Douye Diri described as a major milestone in unlocking the state’s economic potential and strengthening regional connectivity.
Governor Diri announced the development on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Prime Minister of the State of Africa in Diaspora, Dr. Tin Louise-George, at the Government House, Yenagoa.
He said the aircraft expected to operate the Yenagoa–Lagos and Yenagoa–Abuja routes would make air travel more accessible to residents, investors, and visitors, positioning Bayelsa as a new hub for business and tourism in Nigeria’s South-South region.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“These aircraft will ensure that our people and visitors can travel easily between Bayelsa, Lagos, and Abuja without the previous constraints. We are building an aviation hub that drives trade, tourism, and investment,” Diri stated.
Beyond connectivity, the governor explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to make the airport self-sustaining, attract private partnerships, and stimulate job creation. He said the government plans to expand the airport into a “smart city” that will anchor Bayelsa’s long-term economic diversification.
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The Bayelsa International Airport, located on Wilberforce Island in Yenagoa, was commissioned in 2019 and received approval for commercial operations from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in 2021. With a 3.7-kilometre runway one of the longest in the country, the facility is designed to handle large aircraft and international flights.
Earlier during the visit, Dr. Tin Louise-George commended the governor’s vision and expressed readiness to support Bayelsa’s development agenda through partnerships in aviation, smart city development, education, and healthcare.
“Our goal is to explore opportunities for collaboration and funding for projects that can strengthen Bayelsa’s growth and global connectivity,” Dr. Louise-George said.
Governor Diri emphasized that the aircraft acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bayelsa’s aviation sector, saying it will open the state to new business frontiers, reduce travel time, and improve investor confidence.
“We are committed to ensuring that this airport becomes a catalyst for economic transformation in Bayelsa and beyond,” he added.
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