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.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Tuesday while commissioning the newly remodeled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the airport.
Keyamo said the approval forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise aviation infrastructure across the country under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the runway reconstruction will significantly improve flight operations and position Kano Airport among leading international airports.
“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 the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), because of the vision he has for aviation and for this great state.
“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,” the minister said.
Keyamo described Kano as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, saying its strategic importance informed the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise infrastructure upgrades at the airport.
He also revealed that the upgrade of the airport’s Hajj Terminal has commenced, with contractors already mobilised to the site.
“We have also begun the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal. That project is ongoing, and contractors are already on site as we speak,” he added.
The minister said the remodeling of the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal is aimed at improving passenger comfort, operational efficiency, safety and service delivery.
He noted that the terminal was named after the late Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, said the upgraded terminal reflects FAAN’s commitment to providing world-class airport infrastructure and enhancing passengers’ travel experience.
Also speaking, Chairman of FAAN’s Governing Board, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended President Tinubu and the Ministry of Aviation for prioritising aviation development in Kano.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing projects would further strengthen Kano’s position as the leading commercial and aviation hub in Northern Nigeria.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, Director of Air Transport Management at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ahmed Tijani, FAAN directors, aviation stakeholders and other dignitaries.
