Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has commissioned the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), marking a significant step forward in Nigeria's ongoing airport modernisation drive. The commissioning ceremony, held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, was presided over by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who described the project as a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to delivering world-class airport infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The upgraded terminal, managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), now features enhanced baggage handling systems, modern check-in facilities, improved passenger lounges, upgraded air-conditioning systems, and other critical infrastructure designed to provide a smoother and more comfortable travel experience. According to FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, the terminal was designed to offer passengers greater comfort and convenience while supporting the efficient movement of travellers through one of Nigeria's busiest airports. She described the project as a major milestone in the Authority's drive to elevate passenger experience across the country and expressed optimism that the upgraded Dankabo Terminal would now compete favourably with major domestic hubs in Abuja and Lagos while boosting economic activities across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Keyamo noted that Kano occupies a strategic position in Nigeria's economy and remains the commercial gateway to Northern Nigeria, making continued investment in its airport infrastructure a national priority. "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 minister said. He added that the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria, and because of its importance, President Tinubu has earmarked the airport for significant upgrades that will reposition it among the best on the continent.
In a major development that accompanied the terminal commissioning, Keyamo announced that President Tinubu had approved N46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the airport's second runway. The minister disclosed that roughly 60 per cent of the contract sum has already been disbursed to the contractor, who has mobilised to the site. "The President has approved the sum of N46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway so that Kano Airport can compete favourably with other international airports around the world," Keyamo declared. He described the project as a major intervention that would boost operational efficiency, improve safety, and significantly enhance the airport's ability to handle increased passenger and cargo traffic.
The minister further revealed that work had commenced on the upgrade of the airport's Hajj Terminal, with contractors already mobilised to the site. He explained that the Hajj Terminal project forms part of broader efforts to improve facilities for pilgrims and other travellers using the airport, particularly during peak travel seasons. Keyamo stated that the remodelling of the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal aligns with the Federal Government's comprehensive aviation modernisation agenda, which focuses on improving passenger experience, enhancing safety, increasing operational efficiency, and delivering better services at airports nationwide. The terminal is named after the late Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, one of Kano State's foremost aviation pioneers, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria's aviation sector.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several top government officials and aviation stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Governing Board of FAAN, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; 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 stakeholders in the aviation industry. In his remarks, Ganduje praised President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for prioritising Kano in the Federal Government's aviation development plans. He described the project as evidence of the Federal Government's commitment to renewing critical infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed confidence that the ongoing projects would further consolidate Kano's position as Northern Nigeria's leading commercial and aviation hub.
Stakeholders present at the event commended FAAN for delivering a modern passenger terminal that meets international standards. The newly renovated terminal stands as a testament to FAAN's strategic drive toward building safer, smarter, and more efficient airport infrastructure nationwide. Kuku, in her address, said the completion of the upgraded terminal reflects the Authority's commitment to providing modern airport facilities that meet international standards, adding that the terminal was designed to offer passengers greater comfort and convenience while supporting the efficient movement of travellers through one of Nigeria's busiest airports. She further noted that sustained investment in airport infrastructure is laying the foundation for a more efficient, competitive, and globally connected aviation industry in Nigeria.
The commissioning of the upgraded Dankabo Domestic Terminal and the approval of N46 billion for the runway reconstruction represent a significant boost for Kano's aviation infrastructure. The developments are expected to strengthen the airport's operational capacity, improve safety standards, and enhance the overall travel experience for millions of passengers who pass through the facility annually. For Northern Nigeria, the upgrades signal a renewed commitment to positioning Kano as a leading commercial and aviation hub capable of competing with major international airports across the continent. As work continues on the runway reconstruction and the Hajj Terminal upgrade, the Tinubu administration has made clear its determination to transform Nigeria's aviation sector through sustained investment and strategic infrastructure development.
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