The Bayelsa State Government has taken a bold step toward reviving air travel in the state with the acquisition of two aircraft for commercial operations at the Bayelsa International Airport in Yenagoa.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the two aircraft will operate daily flights between Yenagoa, Lagos, and Abuja—marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to make its airport fully operational and commercially viable.
Governor Douye Diri made the announcement on Monday while receiving the Prime Minister of the State of Africa in Diaspora, Dr. Tin Louise-George, at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Diri, who described the acquisition as part of his administration’s drive to boost the state’s economic infrastructure, said the government had decided to take charge of air operations after previous arrangements with private airlines nearly grounded the airport.
“We are determined to ensure the Bayelsa International Airport becomes a hub for regular, reliable flight operations. After a private partnership almost collapsed, we decided to take the bull by the horns. As we speak, two aircraft have been procured to begin daily flights to Lagos and Abuja,” Diri said.
The governor further explained that the airport expansion project aligns with his administration’s vision of transforming Yenagoa into a modern smart city equipped with essential facilities like constant power, water, and transport access.
“We are not just talking about an airport; we are building a city where anyone can live and thrive. The New Yenagoa City project represents that vision,” he added.
Welcoming Dr. Louise-George, who was visiting Nigeria and Bayelsa for the first time, Diri praised the State of Africa in Diaspora for its mission of uniting and empowering Africans globally. He expressed readiness to partner with the organization in areas such as aviation, education, smart city development, and healthcare.
Dr. Louise-George, in his remarks, expressed admiration for Bayelsa’s developmental strides and pledged the diaspora government’s support for strategic projects in the state. He said the State of Africa in Diaspora, recognized by the African Union as the “sixth region of Africa,” represents over 350 million people of African descent across the globe.
“We are here to strengthen Africa through the diaspora and the diaspora through Africa. We are ready to collaborate with Bayelsa State in developing the airport, building a smart city, and establishing educational and medical facilities,” he said.
It would be recalled that the Bayelsa government had first disclosed plans in August 2024 to acquire aircraft for commercial purposes in partnership with United Nigeria Airlines and Ibom Air. The new move signifies the government’s determination to independently drive its aviation sector and promote economic growth through improved connectivity.
