From Garba Abdullahi Bagwai, in Kano
The Federal government has earmarked over N46 billion for the reconstruction of aviation facilities at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano to meet global standard.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo who disclosed the critical intervention to resurface the oldest airport in the country noted that 60 per cent of the allocation has already been released.
Keyamo spoke while unveiling the remodelled and upgraded domestic terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airports, named after the late Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo.
According to the Minister, the infrastructural development has already commenced with contractors deployed to attend to Runway, Taxiway, and Major Runway.
Keyamo said that upon completion, the Kano Airport would be ready to receive any aircraft landing from any part of the country.
He said that interventions on Kano airport were part of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enable safety and conducive aviation system in the country.
Earlier, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku hinted that rehabilitation and expansion of Hajj terminal at the Kano airport will soon commence.
She said the undertaking of the project is a demonstration of Federal government’s commitment to ensure seamless aviation exercise for pilgrims’ on journey to the Holy land.
She explained that the commissioning of the upgraded domestic terminal including the Baggage handling system; Conveyance system; Air-conditional System among other mechanical rehabilitation were designed for ultimate climate control and customer’s comfort.
The FAAN MD reminded that remodelling of the terminal became essential considering the strategic economic status of Kano airport in Northern Nigeria, added that FAAN is mandated to ensure seamless passengers’ experience and restore dignity of the aviation industry.
For his part, the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the commissioning of the reconstructed DanKabo Terminal as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
Ganduje said the project represents more than the rehabilitation of physical structure, describing it as a symbol of progress, renewed commitment and the government’s determination to build an aviation sector that meets global standards of safety, efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
The former Governor of Kano explained that MAKIA remain a significant center that facilitate trade, attract investment, promote tourism, create employment opportunities and strengthen national integration.
He called on passengers and other airport users to protect the upgraded facility and comply with FAAN’s newly reviewed airport by-laws.
Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the event, Commissioner for Transportation, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi pledged the government readiness to pave ways for enabling environment for improvement social economic development.
