Tinubu Approves ₦46bn for Kano Airport Second Runway Reconstruction

President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦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 efforts to modernise aviation infrastructure across the country.

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.

According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the runway project forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy to upgrade key airports and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Keyamo said the reconstruction would improve operational efficiency and position Kano Airport to compete with other leading 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.”

He described Kano as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, stressing that investment in the airport would boost trade, tourism and air transportation across the region.

The minister also disclosed that work had commenced on the upgrade of the airport’s Hajj Terminal, with contractors already mobilised to the project site.

Keyamo noted that the appointment of former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reflected the administration’s commitment to accelerating aviation development in the state.

The newly renovated domestic terminal was officially named after Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Speaking at the event, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said the upgraded terminal demonstrates the agency’s commitment to providing world-class airport facilities and improving passenger experience.

Also speaking, FAAN Board Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for prioritising aviation infrastructure in Kano, saying the ongoing projects would further consolidate the state’s position as Northern Nigeria’s leading commercial and aviation hub.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, 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 Federal Government’s wider airport modernisation programme.