Keyamo commissions remodelled Kano terminal, announces N46bn runway reconstruction

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday inaugurated the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and disclosed a N46 billion federal investment to reconstruct the airport’s second runway, according to a statement from his media aide, Tunde Moshood.

Keyamo said the projects are central to the Tinubu administration’s drive to modernise aviation infrastructure and turn Kano into a leading African aviation hub.

Describing the airport as the commercial gateway to Northern Nigeria, the minister said its strategic importance was the reason the Federal Government had prioritised it for major upgrades.

“Today marks another milestone in our determination to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. We are commissioning the remodelled and upgraded Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, one of the country’s most important aviation gateways,” Keyamo said.

“The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. Because of its importance, President Bola Tinubu has earmarked this airport for significant upgrades that will reposition it among the best on the continent.”

Keyamo revealed that the President had approved N46bn for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway, describing the project as a major intervention to boost operational efficiency and safety.

“The President has approved the sum of N46bn for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway so that Kano Airport can compete favourably with other international airports around the world,” he added.

The minister also confirmed that work had begun on the upgrade of the airport’s Hajj Terminal, with contractors already mobilised to the site. “We have also begun the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal. That project is ongoing, and contractors are already on site as we speak,” he said.

The domestic terminal is named after the late Mallam Muhammadu Dankabo, one of Kano’s pioneering aviation figures, in recognition of his contributions to the industry.

In her remarks, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the remodelled terminal reflects the authority’s resolve to deliver world-class infrastructure and improve the passenger experience.

FAAN board Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, commended President Tinubu and the minister for prioritising aviation investment in Kano, expressing confidence that the ongoing projects would further cement the state’s status as the North’s premier commercial and aviation gateway.