The Federal Government has approved the sum of N46 billion for the rehabilitation of a second runway at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this known during the commissioning of the newly upgraded Domestic Terminal at the airport.
Keyamo said about 60 per cent of the contract sum had already been released, while the contractor has mobilised to site, signalling the commencement of work on the runway project.
He said, “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earmarked Kano airport for major upgrade because of the importance of this airport and that is why one of your leaders and great sons (referring to Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje) was also appointed to head the board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria because of the vision he has for aviation. This place is also regarded as being the bastion of aviation in Nigeria.
“The President has approved the sum of N46 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 stated.
MAKIA recently emerged as the country’s fourth busiest, processing 534,837 domestic passengers and 303,655 international passengers, bringing total passenger traffic to 838,492.
In addition, the airport handled more than seven million kilograms of imported cargo and over 1.2 million kilograms of exported cargo, underlining its growing role as the commercial aviation gateway for northern Nigeria. These figures reinforce the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise the Kano 2nd runway as part of its wider airport infrastructure programme.
The terminal commissioning, he stated, represents another milestone in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) nationwide airport modernisation programme.
FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said the extensive upgrade covered the baggage handling system, check-in facilities, terminal interiors, passenger lounges, air-conditioning systems and other critical infrastructure aimed at improving passenger experience.
Chairman of the FAAN Board, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the project as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure renewal under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He commended the Ministry of Aviation and FAAN management for driving projects that enhance the aviation sector and support economic growth.
