Army Headquarters approves Creation of Army Aviation Hanger, Special Force Battalion in Niger.
By: Yahaya Zakka.
Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has applauded the Nigerian Army Headquarters for approving the establishment of a 3.2 million dollar worth of Army Aviation Hanger at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna.
The project which will have some assets of the Nigerian Army Aviation stationed in Minna, will be financed by the Pan-African Business Forum, as its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Farmer Governor Umaru Bago gave the commendation when the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig. Gen. Musa Alkali led some Army officials on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Minna.
He described the idea as a welcome development noting that the creation of the hanger in Minna would improve the economy of the State and boost the confidence of investors as Air assets will be stationed in Minna.
He said the State Government has recently approved N9 billion for the completion of the already awarded five-star hotel along Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s residence adding that a four-star hotel at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Square will be named Shiroro Hotel as more hotels would come up to provide accommodation for those that would come into the State to seek the services of the hanger.
The Farmer Governor also commended the Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Aviation for positively thinking bout Niger State and the intention to further establish a special Force Aviation Battalion with about 800 battle-ready soldiers in Minna for enhanced security.
He promised to provide accommodation for the soldiers, an Official residence for the Coordinator, a utility vehicle and other necessary support to make their stay comfortable in the State.
On the issue of the Pan-African Business Forum willing to partner with the State on Baro Port, the Farmer Governor said he is looking forward to any partnership that would resuscitate the Baro Port as its benefits are for the entire north not just Niger State.
While stressing that the State would take advantage of the presence of the 800 soldiers to provide effective security coverage of investments at the Airport, he acknowledged that the visit has strengthened the desire of his administration to make a remarkable and positive impact.
Earlier, the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig. Gen. Musa Alkali explained that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna passed all the checklists for the creation of the hanger and the approval of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, as well as the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
He said the construction of the hanger which would be of immense economic benefits to the State would commence in no distant future.
Brig. Gen. Alkali disclosed that the Minna hanger when completed will have 12 attack helicopters MD530 series,10 TB2 UAVs and 8 Magnus Light attack Aircraft for surveillance, reconnaissance and patrol as well as other activities that may be used for all stationed in Minna.
He further stated that with the creation of the hanger in Minna, the delay associated with maintenance of aircraft as others are overstretched, would be eliminated, Elites with Private jets can park them in Minna at a minimum cost.
The Army Aviation Coordinator said the Pan-African Business Forum is willing to invest billions of dollars on projects execution in Nigeria especially Baro Port based on its economic benefit both to the State and the country at large.
He also announced plans for the establishment of a 601 Special Forces Aviation battalion comprising 800 battle-ready soldiers to complement the security architecture of the State and battle force multiplier in Minna adding that the Special Force would cover the whole State and project Force and Operations to other theatres of operations
Brig. Gen. Alkali said Niger State was selected because it is central, hence it will make it easier for the Special Force to react easier and almost immediately when the need arises.
