The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has added another milestone to its nationwide airport modernisation programme with the commissioning of the newly upgraded Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.
The project was commissioned by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, on behalf of the Federal Government, in the presence of the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, the Chairman of the FAAN Board of Directors, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation, members of the FAAN Board, heads of aviation agencies, traditional rulers, airline operators and other stakeholders.
In her welcome address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, described the project as another significant step in the Authority’s commitment to transforming airport infrastructure and elevating passenger experience across Nigeria.
She noted that the extensive upgrade covered the baggage handling system, check-in facilities, terminal interiors, passenger lounges, air-conditioning systems and other critical infrastructure designed to deliver world-class service.
Mrs Kuku expressed confidence that the transformation would position the Dankabo Domestic Terminal among Nigeria’s leading airport terminals, capable of competing favourably with those in Abuja and Lagos while supporting Kano’s strategic role as Northern Nigeria’s commercial gateway.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the FAAN Board of Directors, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the project as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure renewal under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the FAAN Management for their dedication to delivering projects that strengthen the aviation sector and stimulate economic growth.
Commissioning the terminal, the Honourable Minister, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, stated that the project forms part of a series of airport infrastructure developments being undertaken by FAAN in line with the Ministry’s Five-Point Agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
He thanked the President for his unwavering support for the aviation sector, noting that sustained investment in airport infrastructure is laying the foundation for a more efficient, competitive and globally connected aviation industry.
The Minister described Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport as a strategic aviation and commercial hub for Northern Nigeria and announced that the Federal Government has approved ₦46 billion for the rehabilitation of the airport’s primary and secondary runways.
According to him, about 60 per cent of the contract sum has already been released, while the contractor has mobilised to site.
Following the commissioning, the Minister led the dignitaries on a guided tour of the upgraded terminal. The guests expressed admiration for the quality of the transformation and commended FAAN for delivering a modern passenger facility that reflects international standards.
The upgraded terminal, with its contemporary facilities and enhanced passenger amenities, represents another important achievement in FAAN’s strategic drive to build safer, smarter and more efficient airports in support of Nigeria’s economic development and aviation aspirations.
