The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday inaugurated the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, announcing a N46bn Federal Government investment to reconstruct the airport’s second runway as part of efforts to transform Kano into a leading aviation hub in Africa.

This is according to a statement signed by the media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood.

Keyamo said the terminal upgrade and other ongoing projects underscore the Tinubu administration’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Kano, the minister described the airport as a strategic national asset and the commercial gateway to Northern Nigeria, stressing that the Federal Government was deliberately investing in facilities capable of driving economic growth and improving passenger experience.

He explained that Kano’s strategic economic importance informed the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise the airport for major infrastructure upgrades.

He said, “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.

“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.”

The minister disclosed that President Tinubu had approved N46bn for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the airport’s second runway, describing the project as a major intervention that would 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.

Keyamo also revealed that work had commenced 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.

According to the minister, the remodelling of the domestic terminal forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation transformation programme aimed at improving passenger comfort, enhancing safety standards and strengthening operational efficiency across the nation’s airports.

The terminal is named after the late Mallam Muhammadu Dankabo, one of Kano State’s foremost aviation pioneers, in recognition of his contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

In her remarks, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the remodelled terminal reflects the Authority’s resolve to provide world-class airport infrastructure and improve the travel experience for passengers.

“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.

Keyamo also revealed that work had commenced 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.

According to the minister, the remodelling of the domestic terminal forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation transformation programme aimed at improving passenger comfort, enhancing safety standards and strengthening operational efficiency across the nation’s airports.

The terminal is named after the late Mallam Muhammadu Dankabo, one of Kano State’s foremost aviation pioneers, in recognition of his contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

In her remarks, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the remodeled terminal reflects the Authority’s resolve to provide world-class airport infrastructure and improve the travel experience for passengers.

FAAN board Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, commended President Tinubu and Keyamo for prioritising aviation infrastructure in Kano, expressing confidence that the ongoing projects would further consolidate the state’s position as Northern Nigeria’s leading commercial and aviation hub.