President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure across the country.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approval on Tuesday during the commissioning of the newly remodeled and upgraded Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at MAKIA.
According to a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Keyamo said the runway project forms part of a broader plan to upgrade the airport and improve its operational capacity, enabling it to compete with leading international airports around the world.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s commitment to the aviation sector, the Minister said Kano Airport has been identified as a priority because of its strategic importance to the country’s economy and the Northern region.
“The Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earmarked Kano Airport for major upgrades because of the importance of this airport. That is why one of your great sons and one of our respected leaders, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was appointed by Mr. President to chair the Board of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), because of the vision he has for aviation and for this great state.”
He further disclosed the presidential approval for the runway reconstruction project, describing it as a major investment in the future of the airport.
“The President has approved the sum of ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway so that the Kano Airport can compete with other international airports around the world”, Keyamo said.
Kano Airport Upgrade Plans Gather Momentum
The Minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that ongoing investments are aimed at improving infrastructure, safety, and service delivery across the country’s airports.
The commissioning ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Governing Board of the FAAN, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; the Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; the Director of Air Transport Management at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Ahmed Tijani; FAAN directors, aviation stakeholders, and other invited guests.
According to the statement, the remodeled domestic terminal was named after Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, one of Kano State’s foremost aviation pioneers, in recognition of his significant contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Describing the commissioning as another milestone in the Federal Government’s aviation modernization programme, Keyamo said:
“Today, we are gathered for the commissioning of the remodeled and upgraded Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. In aviation terms, we simply call it MAKIA,” he said.
The Minister stressed that Kano remains a critical economic and aviation hub, explaining that its importance informed the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise major infrastructure projects at the airport.
“The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. Kano, for us, remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. That is why we have earmarked Kano for major upgrades.”
He also revealed that work has already commenced on another key project at the airport.
“We have also begun the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal. That project is ongoing, and contractors are already on site as we speak.”
Keyamo explained that the remodeling of the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal is part of the Federal Government’s wider aviation modernization agenda designed to improve passenger comfort, operational efficiency, safety, and overall service delivery at airports nationwide.
In her remarks, FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said the upgraded terminal demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to providing world-class airport facilities while improving the travel experience for passengers using the airport.
Also speaking, the Chairman of FAAN’s Governing Board, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for prioritising aviation development in Kano, expressing confidence that the ongoing projects would further strengthen the state’s position as Northern Nigeria’s leading commercial and aviation hub.
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