The Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Dr Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described the Federal Government’s approval of ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the development of Northern Nigeria.
Kwankwaso stated this while reacting to the approval announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the commissioning of the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal in Kano.
He urged Nigerians, particularly those from the North, to acknowledge the President’s efforts irrespective of political differences, saying the project would significantly enhance commercial and economic activities in the region.
“I expect our people, regardless of political affiliation, to appreciate and thank President Bola Tinubu for approving this important project. It is a landmark intervention that will boost commercial and trading activities across Northern Nigeria,” Kwankwaso said.
He added, “We should develop the culture of appreciating good governance whenever it is demonstrated, instead of focusing only on negative developments while ignoring positive achievements.”
Keyamo had disclosed during the event that about 60 per cent of the contract value had already been released, while the contractor had mobilised to the site.
According to the minister, the runway reconstruction is part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to modernise aviation infrastructure and strengthen Kano’s position as a major aviation and commercial hub in Northern Nigeria.
Commending those involved in securing the approval, Kwankwaso praised President Tinubu, the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Governing Board and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, and other stakeholders.
He expressed optimism that the project would restore the airport’s strategic importance to the region.
“With the completion of the resurfacing of the second runway, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport will regain its position as the economic gateway to Northern Nigeria,” he said.
Kwankwaso also called on Northern political leaders, Islamic scholars and traditional rulers to publicly support and appreciate developmental initiatives that would benefit the region.
“I urge Northern elites, ulama and traditional rulers to acknowledge this intervention and encourage our people to support leaders who are committed to the progress and development of our region,” he added.
