Tinubu Approves ₦46bn For Reconstruction Of Kano Airport Runway

President Bola Tinubu has approved  ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of Kano Airport’s second runway.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development at the commissioning of the newly remodeled and upgraded Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, on Tuesday.

In a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Keyamo, the Minister, while highlighting ongoing presidential interventions, noted that the project is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency and position Kano among the world’s 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 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”, Keyamo said.

The Minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The commissioning ceremony drew an array of distinguished dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Kano State, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; the Director of Air Transport Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Ahmed Tijani; FAAN Directors, aviation stakeholders, and other invited guests.

According to the statement, the domestic terminal is named in honour of Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, one of Kano State’s most illustrious sons and a renowned aviation pioneer, in recognition of his immense contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The Minister described the event as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing drive to modernise aviation infrastructure across the country.

“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 emphasised the strategic importance of Kano to Nigeria’s economy and aviation sector, describing the city as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria.

“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 further revealed that the upgrade of the airport’s Hajj Terminal has already commenced, with contractors currently on site.

“We have also begun the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal. That project is ongoing, and contractors are already on site as we speak.”

The Minister reiterated that the remodeling of the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation modernization agenda aimed at improving passenger comfort, operational efficiency, safety, and service delivery across Nigeria’s airports.

In her remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, noted that the upgraded terminal reflects the Authority’s commitment to providing world-class airport facilities while enhancing the travel experience for passengers using the airport.

The Chairman of FAAN’s Governing Board, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, commended President Tinubu and the Minister for prioritising aviation development in Kano, stressing that the ongoing projects would further strengthen the state’s position as Northern Nigeria’s foremost commercial and aviation hub.