Kano Airport gets ₦46bn boost as FG begins major aviation infrastructure upgrade.

By Our Correspondent

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of ₦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 drive to modernize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approval on Tuesday during the commissioning of the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Kano airport. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.
According to Keyamo, the runway project is a key component of the Tinubu administration’s strategy to upgrade strategic airports nationwide. He explained that reconstructing the second runway will improve operational efficiency and strengthen Kano Airport’s competitiveness among major international airports.
“The Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earmarked Kano Airport for major upgrades because of the importance of this airport,” the Minister said. “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 also noted that the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was intentional, citing his aviation vision and strong connection to Kano State.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing Kano as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria. According to him, upgrading the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is essential to boosting trade and air transportation across the region.
“The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. That is why we have earmarked Kano for major upgrades,” he added.
The Minister further disclosed that work has commenced on the airport’s Hajj Terminal, with contractors already mobilized to the project site.
During the event, the remodelled domestic terminal was officially named after Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo in recognition of his pioneering contributions to Nigeria’s aviation industry. Keyamo described the commissioning as another milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernize airport facilities across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, said the upgraded terminal reflects the agency’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and improving passenger experience.
Also speaking, Chairman of the FAAN Governing Board, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, praised President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for prioritizing 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 several dignitaries, including FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN Board Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, Director of Air Transport Management, Ahmed Tijani, FAAN directors, and other aviation stakeholders.
The ₦46 billion runway reconstruction project is expected to commence soon as part of the broader upgrade plans for the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.