MAKIA upgrades strengthen Kano’s aviation future
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) has received a major infrastructure boost that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) believes will reinforce its position as Nigeria’s fourth busiest airport while preparing it to compete more strongly with Lagos and Abuja.
The newly rehabilitated Dan Kabo Domestic Terminal was officially commissioned by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, alongside the Chairman of the FAAN Governing Board, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, CON, and FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku. The project forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising aviation infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Kuku, MAKIA already occupies a strategic position within Nigeria’s aviation network as the principal gateway serving northern Nigeria. The airport supports commercial activities, agricultural exports, tourism, religious pilgrimages and regional trade across West and Central Africa.
Its traffic statistics underline that importance.
The FAAN Managing Director disclosed that MAKIA processed 534,837 domestic passengers and 303,655 international passengers, giving a combined total of 838,492 passengers. Those figures make the airport the fourth busiest in Nigeria, behind only Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. She added that the airport also handled more than seven million kilogrammes of imported cargo, while over 1.2 million kilogrammes of exports passed through the facility.
“It may interest you to know that this airport processed 534,837 domestic passengers and 303,655 international passengers making a total of 838,492 passengers. This makes this airport the fourth busiest in Nigeria. Also, this airport processed over seven million kilograms of imported cargo while over 1.2 million kilograms of cargo was exported through here.”
With those impressive numbers already placing Kano among Nigeria’s busiest aviation centres, FAAN believes the latest investment will enable the airport to attract even greater passenger and cargo traffic in the years ahead.
“With these upgrades, I expect this airport to do even better and compete with Abuja and Lagos,” Kuku stated.
She described the commissioning of the rehabilitated terminal as a landmark achievement in the government’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
“This day marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to reposition Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The FAAN boss commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for providing the strategic leadership that ensured the successful completion of the project.
She also paid tribute to FAAN Governing Board Chairman, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, describing his return to the airport after serving two terms as Governor of Kano State as a symbolic homecoming. According to her, his leadership and support were instrumental in bringing the project to completion.
Rather than simply refurbishing an ageing facility, FAAN embarked on a comprehensive remodelling programme that transformed almost every aspect of the Dan Kabo Domestic Terminal.
One of the most significant improvements is the installation of a modern Baggage Handling System (BHS). The new baggage carousels and conveyor belts are designed to speed up baggage delivery, minimise delays and improve the overall passenger experience from arrival to baggage collection.
Passenger processing has also received a major boost through the installation of new check-in counters, weighing scales and associated equipment. These facilities will enable airlines to process travellers more efficiently, reduce congestion during peak periods and improve terminal operations.
To enhance passenger comfort, FAAN installed modern Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning systems throughout the terminal. The technology provides more efficient climate control while improving energy performance and ensuring travellers enjoy a comfortable environment regardless of weather conditions.
The remodelling also focused on creating a more welcoming atmosphere. Decorative water fountains have been introduced within the terminal to improve its aesthetics, while completely new terminal furniture and fittings provide passengers with greater comfort throughout their journey.
Premium travellers were not left out. FAAN supplied new lounge furniture, fixtures and accessories to create what Kuku confidently described as the finest lounge among all FAAN-operated airports across the country.
“I dare say that the lounge here is the best of all the FAAN lounges in Nigeria.”
Beyond the terminal building itself, extensive work was carried out on external infrastructure. Access roads, driveways and pedestrian walkways were reconstructed to improve traffic circulation for passengers, airport users and service providers.
Meanwhile, wall murals, artwork and thematic displays celebrating Kano’s rich cultural heritage and Nigeria’s aviation history have been incorporated into the terminal’s design, giving travellers a stronger sense of place upon arrival.
FAAN equally upgraded the terminal’s electrical power distribution system to ensure more reliable operations. In addition, all mechanical, electrical and plumbing works were comprehensively modernised, providing the infrastructure required to support efficient day-to-day airport operations for many years.
According to Kuku, the project goes beyond infrastructure investment.
“This project is not merely about bricks and mortar; it is about restoring the dignity of air travel for millions of Nigerians and positioning MAKIA as a modern aviation hub for northern Nigeria.”
She also announced another major development for MAKIA, revealing that the contract for the reconstruction, expansion and remodelling of the airport’s Hajj Terminal has already been awarded.
The contractor is expected to take possession of the site this month, while FAAN plans to complete the project well ahead of the 2027 Hajj operations.
According to her, the new Hajj terminal will provide seamless, efficient and dignified services for thousands of pilgrims travelling annually to the Holy Land, further strengthening Kano’s position as Nigeria’s foremost gateway for Hajj operations.
As the ceremony concluded, Onabanjo-Kuku paid tribute to the late Adamu Dan Kabo, whose name the domestic terminal proudly bears. She described him as one of Nigeria’s aviation pioneers whose legacy continues to inspire the industry’s development.
With passenger traffic approaching 840,000 annually, growing cargo volumes exceeding eight million kilogrammes, and another major terminal project already underway, MAKIA is entering a new phase of growth. FAAN believes the latest investments will not only improve operational efficiency and passenger comfort but also position Kano to compete more effectively with Nigeria’s leading aviation hubs while driving trade, connectivity and economic development across northern Nigeria.
