Abayomi Susan
Stakeholders and residents in Kano State have welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦46 billion for the reconstruction and resurfacing of a second runway at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approval during the commissioning of the Aminu Dankabo Domestic Terminal in Kano.
Keyamo disclosed that about 60 per cent of the contract sum had already been released, adding that the contractor had been mobilised to commence work on the project.
Reacting to the development, the Director of Finance, Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Musa Ilyasu Kwankwaso, expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a significant boost to Kano’s economic development.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians, particularly people of the North, to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the approval demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the region.
He said the project would serve as a catalyst for increased commercial activities, trade and investment opportunities across Kano and the wider northern region.
“We should imbibe the culture of appreciating good when we see one. It should not always be negative,” Kwankwaso stated.
He added that the reconstruction project would help Kano reclaim its position as a major economic gateway in Northern Nigeria.
Kwankwaso also commended key stakeholders who contributed to the approval of the project, including the Chairman of the Aviation Governing Board, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi; and other supporters of the initiative.
