Why Niger State Government renamed Minna Airport after President Tinubu

The Niger State Government has renamed its international airport in Minna after President Bola Tinubu.

The move to rename the airport which was previously known as the Abubakar Imam International Airport was confirmed by the Governor of Niger state, Umar Bago.

The airport was named less than a year in honor of Abubakar Imam, a prominent Nigerian writer and journalist from Niger.

Aminu Takuma, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment announced the rename in a press briefing at the Government House in Minna on Sunday, March 10.

Represented by Isah Adamu, the Special Adviser to the governor on governance and reform, the move to rename the airport was a tribute to the president who has supported the state significantly.

President Tinubu is expected in Minna on Monday, March 11 for the launch of the agro-processing zone and the inauguration of various developmental projects within the state capital.

An invitation has been sent to the President for the foundation laying ceremony for the new hajj terminal at the airport.

It is, however not clear whether the President will honour an invitation.

Recall that the federal government in 2023 directed the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to rename 15 federal airports after notable Nigerians, including former president Muhammadu Buhari.

Social and political commentators have questioned the rationale behind the decision to rename the airport after President Tinubu.