The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has commissioned the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Kano on Tuesday, Keyamo described the project as another milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing drive to upgrade airport infrastructure and improve passenger experience across the country.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; the Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; the Director of Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Ahmed Tijani; FAAN directors, aviation stakeholders and other invited guests.
The terminal is named after the late Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, one of Kano State’s foremost aviation pioneers, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Describing Kano as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, Keyamo said the airport occupies a strategic position in the country’s aviation network, making it a priority for major infrastructure investments.
“The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. That is why we have earmarked Kano for major upgrades,”, the Minister said.
He disclosed that President Tinubu had approved several landmark projects aimed at repositioning the airport as one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs.
According to him, the President has approved ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the airport’s second runway, a project expected to improve operational efficiency and boost the airport’s international competitiveness.
“The President has approved the sum of ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway so that Kano Airport can compete with other international airports around the world”, he stated.
Keyamo also announced that work has commenced on the upgrade of the airport’s Hajj Terminal, with contractors already mobilised to the site.
He explained that the remodelling of the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation modernisation programme designed to enhance passenger comfort, operational efficiency, safety and service delivery across Nigeria’s airports.
In her remarks, FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said the upgraded terminal demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to providing world-class airport facilities while improving the travel experience for passengers.
Also speaking, Ganduje, commended President Tinubu and the Minister for prioritising aviation development in Kano, noting that the ongoing projects would further strengthen the state’s position as Northern Nigeria’s leading commercial and aviation hub.
The commissioning of the remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal marks another significant step in the transformation of Nigeria’s aviation sector, reinforcing the Federal Government’s resolve to deliver modern, efficient and globally competitive airport infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth, regional connectivity and national development.