Kano 2nd runway to transform MAKIA
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the Kano 2nd runway, a landmark investment expected to significantly improve operations at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) and position the airport to compete with leading international gateways across Africa.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, during the commissioning of the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal in Kano. According to a Statement signed by Special Adviser Media and Communication, Tunde Moshood, the approval marks the next phase in the Federal Government’s modernisation of MAKIA, following extensive terminal upgrades and the commencement of work on a new Hajj terminal.
“The President has approved the sum of ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway so that the Kano Airport can compete with other international airports around the world,” Keyamo declared.
The investment in the Kano 2nd runway comes at a time when MAKIA continues to strengthen its importance within Nigeria’s aviation network. The airport recently emerged as the country’s fourth busiest, processing 534,837 domestic passengers and 303,655 international passengers, bringing total passenger traffic to 838,492.
In addition, the airport handled more than seven million kilogrammes of imported cargo and over 1.2 million kilogrammes of exported cargo, underlining its growing role as the commercial aviation gateway for northern Nigeria. These figures reinforce the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise the Kano 2nd runway as part of its wider airport infrastructure programme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo described Kano as the commercial heartbeat of northern Nigeria and stressed that the airport remains central to economic growth, trade, agriculture and regional connectivity. According to him, that strategic importance informed the decision to continue investing in critical aviation infrastructure at the airport.
“The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. Kano, for us, remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. That is why we have earmarked Kano for major upgrades.”
The Minister explained that the reconstruction of the Kano 2nd runway will enhance operational efficiency, improve safety and provide greater flexibility for aircraft movements as passenger and cargo traffic continue to increase. He noted that the project forms part of President Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Keyamo also pointed to the appointment of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Governing Board as evidence of the administration’s commitment to Kano’s aviation development.
“The Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earmarked Kano Airport for major upgrades because of the importance of this airport.”
Meanwhile, the Minister disclosed that another strategic project is progressing alongside the Kano 2nd runway initiative. He confirmed that contractors have already mobilised for the reconstruction, expansion and remodelling of the airport’s Hajj Terminal, with work expected to continue ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage operations.
“We have also begun the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal. That project is ongoing, and contractors are already on site as we speak.”
The runway project follows the successful completion of the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal. The facility now boasts a modern baggage handling system, upgraded check-in counters, advanced air-conditioning systems, improved passenger lounges, enhanced electrical infrastructure, reconstructed access roads and modern passenger amenities.
In addition, the terminal incorporates cultural murals and artwork celebrating Kano’s heritage while providing passengers with a significantly improved travel experience. The upgrades are expected to increase operational efficiency and support future passenger growth as more airlines expand services through MAKIA.
FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, said the terminal redevelopment reflects the Authority’s commitment to delivering world-class airport facilities that improve passenger comfort and operational excellence. She recently disclosed that MAKIA’s impressive passenger and cargo statistics demonstrate the airport’s growing strategic importance within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Similarly, FAAN Governing Board Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended President Tinubu and the Minister for prioritising aviation infrastructure in Kano. He said the combined investments in the terminal, Hajj facilities and the Kano 2nd runway would strengthen the state’s position as northern Nigeria’s leading commercial and aviation hub.
With the domestic terminal completed, the Hajj Terminal project underway and ₦46 billion committed to the Kano 2nd runway, the Federal Government is laying the foundation for MAKIA’s next phase of growth. The coordinated investments are expected to improve safety, expand operational capacity, increase passenger confidence and position Kano among Africa’s most competitive international airports.
