The Kano dry port can serve as a logistics and trade hub. It can be an incentive for business, bringing airlines and passengers

BY ANTHONY OMOH

Managing Director Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, says Kano airport low patronage must be addressed through increased business and commercial development in Kano State.

She made this known while speaking at the Directorate of Commercial and Business Development (DCBD) Stakeholder’s Forum, themed Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Growth and Development, held in Lagos.

According to her, boosting passenger traffic is closely tied to business and leisure activities driven by state-level economic initiatives.

His Royal Highness Augulus Karoju, a respected stakeholder who has operated at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for over 30 years, had expressed concerns of the airport’s dwindling fortune.

“I have done business in Kano Airport for over 30 years and things have declined. They are not what they used to be,” he said.

“Kano Airport is going down. There is low patronage, a loss of operations. FAAN must attract more domestic and international airlines.”

He further lamented the high cost of rents at the airport despite declining traffic and reduced operations, making business more difficult.

In response, Kuku said that FAAN understands the concerns of long-term investors and stakeholders like His Royal Highness Karoju. She stressed that in stating the problem, he has provided a solution: increase flights both domestic and international into Kano.

However, she emphasised that airline operations are demand-driven, and economic activity must be in place to stimulate consistent traffic. “Passenger traffic largely drives airlines to fly, and we need to build around activities in Kano,” she stated.

She pointed out that the newly completed dry port terminal in Kano presents a viable commercial opportunity that can stimulate demand.

“The Kano dry port can serve as a logistics and trade hub. It can be an incentive for business, bringing airlines and passengers,” she explained.

Kuku said FAAN is not working in isolation and will soon initiate conversations with the Kano State Government to chart a growth strategy.

“In a few weeks, we will make contact with the state government and put a practical plan in place,” she assured the gathering.

She said this approach would involve mapping business opportunities and aligning airport operations with regional economic goals to attract airlines.

The FAAN MD noted that domestic and international carriers evaluate market potential based on consistent commercial and leisure traffic.

She reiterated that Kano airport low patronage can be reversed if stakeholders align and coordinate on trade, logistics and infrastructure.

Kuku maintained that FAAN’s long-term objective is to ensure all Nigerian airports, especially regional ones, become commercially viable and sustainable.

A revitalised airport will also reflect positively on the broader Kano economy, as increased air traffic supports trade, tourism and investment. The state’s fortune is closely tied to how well the airport performs, given its historic role as a northern commercial gateway. Improved connectivity can drive inflows of goods and services, while also enhancing access for business travellers, pilgrims and investors seeking opportunities in Kano.