By Cosmas Okereafor
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has officially commissioned the newly remodeled and upgraded Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, reaffirming the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.The commissioning ceremony drew an array of distinguished dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Kano State, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; the Director of Air Transport Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Ahmed Tijani; FAAN Directors, aviation stakeholders, and other invited guests.
The domestic terminal is named in honour of Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, one of Kano State’s most illustrious sons and a renowned aviation pioneer, in recognition of his immense contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.Speaking during the commissioning, the Honourable Minister described the event as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing drive to modernize aviation infrastructure across the country.”Today, we are gathered for the commissioning of the remodeled and upgraded Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. In aviation terms, we simply call it MAKIA,” he said.The Minister emphasized the strategic importance of Kano to Nigeria’s economy and aviation sector, describing the city as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria.”The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. Kano, for us, remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. That is why we have earmarked Kano for major upgrades.”
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved several landmark projects aimed at repositioning the airport into one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs.”The Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earmarked Kano Airport for major upgrades because of the importance of this airport. That is why one of your great sons and one of our respected leaders, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was appointed by Mr. President to chair the Board of FAAN, because of the vision he has for aviation and for this great state.”Highlighting ongoing interventions, the Minister announced that the President has approved ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the airport’s second runway, a project expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency and position Kano among the world’s leading international airports.”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 further revealed that the upgrade of the airport’s Hajj Terminal has already commenced, with contractors currently on site.”We have also begun the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal. That project is ongoing, and contractors are already on site as we speak.”The Minister reiterated that the remodeling of the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation modernization agenda aimed at improving passenger comfort, operational efficiency, safety, and service delivery across Nigeria’s airports.
In her remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, noted that the upgraded terminal reflects the Authority’s commitment to providing world-class airport facilities while enhancing the travel experience for passengers using the airport.The Chairman of FAAN’s Governing Board, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister for prioritizing aviation development in Kano, stressing that the ongoing projects would further strengthen the state’s position as Northern Nigeria’s foremost commercial and aviation hub. The commissioning of the remodeled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal marks yet another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s aviation sector, reinforcing the Federal Government’s resolve to deliver modern, efficient, and globally competitive airport infrastructure that supports economic growth, regional connectivity, and national development.
