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Another Nigerian state has revealed plans for a state-owned airline, this time Kano State, with Governor Abba Yusuf announcing that the proposed Kano Airline is expected to begin operations within the next year to create jobs for locally trained pilots. Yusuf unveiled the plan during the state’s 40th executive council meeting at Government House in Kano after receiving an award from the Kano State Pilot Association recognising his administration’s support for pilots completing their aviation training, the newspaper Punch reported. “By the grace of God, the proposed Kano Airline will commence operations within the next one year. We are committed to providing all the necessary support to actualise the project and ensure its successful operation,” the governor said. He said the airline would provide employment opportunities for Kano indigenes who had completed professional pilot training, including graduates of a state-sponsored programme in Jordan launched by a previous administration. The announcement adds Kano to a growing list of Nigerian state governments pursuing airline ventures. According to ch-aviation research, Nigeria currently has five state-backed airlines in operation or under development: Ibom Air (Akwa Ibom), Cally Air (Cross River), Enugu Air (Enugu), Air Bayelsa (Bayelsa), and Ebonyi Air (Ebonyi). Other states, including Anambra, Edo, Lagos, and Sokoto, have announced ambitions to establish their own carriers or partner with existing operators, while six northeastern states are jointly developing a proposed North-East Air Shuttle regional airline.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that there was no fire outbreak at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following an incident that caused concern among passengers and airport users. In a statement issued, FAAN said preliminary findings showed that the smoke observed within the terminal was caused by the discharge of the facility’s FM-200 fire suppression system rather than an actual fire. The authority explained that investigations are ongoing to determine what triggered the activation of the automated fire safety system. “Preliminary findings indicate that there was no fire at the terminal. The smoke observed within the affected area resulted from the discharge of the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system,” the agency said. FAAN noted that normal operations have since resumed at the terminal, while technical teams continue detailed assessments to establish the exact cause of the incident. The clarification comes after an earlier advisory by the airport authority regarding an incident at the terminal, which prompted emergency response measures and raised concerns among travellers. FAAN thanked passengers, airlines and other airport stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of airport operations across the country.

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, operators of Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, says it is preparing for a new phase of growth after concluding a three-day strategic leadership retreat focused on service quality and regional expansion. Chairman Dr. Wale Babalakin told senior management that the company’s nearly 20-year operation of MMA2 proves the strength and resilience of its team. “We have successfully managed this terminal for nearly 20 years. Our success is anchored on competence and integrity, and these values remain non-negotiable,” he said. Babalakin also revealed that progress has been made on long-standing concession issues, adding that a settlement agreement will soon be signed to further position MMA2 on the international stage. “Our ambition is clear: to establish and operate the best airport terminal, not only in Nigeria, but across the region,” he stated. The retreat facilitator, Mrs. Olubanwo Adeosun, said the session allowed the leadership team to hold “honest conversations about where the organization is today, where it wants to go, and the leadership behaviours required to get there.” Acting Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Kola Bamigboye, said the focus now is on turning the retreat’s resolutions into measurable results through stronger communication, accountability and operational improvements. Bi-Courtney says the retreat is part of its commitment to improving passenger experience at MMA2 and strengthening its role as a major player in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

In a major stride for Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially relaunched the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The newly upgraded facility, unveiled on Tuesday under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, marks the end of a turbulent, two-decade development journey and signals a modern era for one of the nation’s most vital transit hubs. The high-profile ceremony drew key government and aviation figures, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; FAAN Governing Board Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku. From Abandonment to Ambition: Overcoming a 20-Year Hurdle The Dankabo Terminal’s history reads like a case study in the historic challenges of Nigerian infrastructure development. Originally awarded in the early 2000s under the Obasanjo administration, the project was plagued by severe structural setbacks and funding droughts that left it abandoned for years. It took a combination of legislative interventions, extensive redesigns, and a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) intervention from the Central Bank of Nigeria, which stepped in to furnish the passenger lounges: to finally push it across the finish line for its initial commissioning by then-Vice President Namadi Sambo in May 2011. The terminal was named in honour of Alhaji Muhammad Adamu Dankabo, the legendary founder of Kabo Airline and a pioneer of private aviation in Northern Nigeria. A First-Class Facelift The latest phase of renovations, which commenced in early 2023, goes far beyond cosmetic fixes. According to MD FAAN MD, Mrs. Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, the facility has been completely overhauled to deliver a world-class passenger experience. The extensive upgrades include: Next-Gen Logistics: State-of-the-art baggage handling systems equipped with modern carousels and conveyor belts. Streamlined Check-ins: Newly installed check-in counters integrated with precise digital weighing scales. Passenger Comfort: Fully integrated climate control systems throughout the terminal, complemented by indoor decorative water fountains designed to create a tranquil environment. Improved Accessibility: Completely reconstructed external driveways, access roads, and pedestrian walkways. Mrs. Onabanjo-Kuku did not hold back her pride regarding the new terminal lounges, boldly declaring them “the best of all the FAAN lounges in Nigeria.” Chasing Lagos and Abuja: MAKIA by the Numbers As the primary aviation gateway for Northern Nigeria, MAKIA plays a pivotal role in driving regional trade across West and Central Africa, alongside facilitating agricultural exports, tourism, and religious pilgrimages. Data shared by FAAN highlights MAKIA’s growing dominance as Nigeria’s fourth busiest airport. In the past year alone, the airport processed: 534,837 domestic passengers 303,655 international passengers (totaling 838,492 travellers) Over 7 million kilograms of imported cargo More than 1.2 million kilograms of exported goods. “With these upgrades, I expect this airport to do even better and compete with Abuja and Lagos,” Onabanjo-Kuku stated optimistically. Looking Ahead: 2027 Hajj Expansion Confirmed In a move to further solidify the airport’s capacity, FAAN announced that the contract for the reconstruction, expansion, and remodeling of MAKIA’s existing Hajj Terminal has officially been awarded. The contractor is slated to take possession of the site this month, with a strict timeline to ensure full operational readiness ahead of the 2027 Hajj season. A Homecoming for Ganduje The event also served as a symbolic homecoming for FAAN Governing Board Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The former two-term Governor of Kano State had long championed the airport as a “gateway of opportunity” for the region. Mrs.Onabanjo-Kuku praised Ganduje’s pragmatic leadership for successfully steering the long-delayed project to its final completion. Closing the event, MAKIA Airport Manager, Alhaji Okikiri Musa extended formal appreciation to President Tinubu and the FAAN leadership team, noting that the transformation marks a defining moment for the region’s economic future