The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria has taken over the operations of Gombe airport.

Disclosing this shortly after undertaking an inspection of major areas of the airport, the Managing Director of FAAN, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, said the visit had heralded the smooth takeover of its operations.

Yadudu disclosed that it direct involvement in the running of the facility would ensure improved services, adding that security would be beefed in Gombe airport to protect travellers.

He said, “We will handle the management and maintenance of this particular facility. We are here to take over full control of the management of the facility on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“It is part of our routine assessment anytime we are taking over an airport, what we just went around to do was to assess the status of the facilities primarily the runways, parking area and critical service as well as airport fire fighting services which comprise the personnel and equipment in case of emergency. Additionally, we went around to the tower which is essentially a NAMA facility and we saw the facility and we are very impressed.”

He added, “We will bring much, better standardisation of safety and security. We have a wider reach of professionals. The takeover is now, this is symbolic. When we bring personnel that are properly trained and even when we bring them, we try to consider the interest of local communities. The President has directed that we take over and give this state and the people better, more secure and safer services.”

On his part, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Jatau, said the takeover by Federal Government would boost business and help consolidate the state’s gain on ease of doing business.

Jatau said, “We will require more visitors to Gombe by way of increased flights. We are very happy, In fact, we are too grateful because this has been our desire over the years.”