President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the commissioning of the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the airport in Kano.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo said the runway project would significantly improve airport operations and strengthen Kano’s position as one of Africa’s leading international aviation hubs.
“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 reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upgrading aviation infrastructure nationwide under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that Kano remains a strategic priority because of its economic and commercial significance.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; 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.
The domestic terminal commissioned during the event is named after Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, a respected aviation pioneer from Kano State, in recognition of his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Describing the project as another milestone in the administration’s aviation reform 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 emphasised Kano’s critical role in Nigeria’s economy, describing the city as the commercial hub 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.”
Keyamo also disclosed that work has already commenced on upgrading the airport’s Hajj Terminal.
“We have also begun the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal. That project is ongoing, and contractors are already on site as we speak.”
He explained that the renovation of the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal forms part of the Federal Government’s wider strategy to improve passenger comfort, operational efficiency, safety and service delivery at airports across the country.
Speaking at the event, FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku said the upgraded terminal demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to providing world-class airport infrastructure while improving the overall travel experience for passengers.
FAAN Board Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje praised President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for prioritising infrastructure development at Kano Airport, noting that the ongoing projects would further reinforce Kano’s status as Northern Nigeria’s leading commercial and aviation gateway.
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