The Federal Government has earmarked more than ₦46 billion for the reconstruction and upgrade of facilities at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) to bring the airport in line with international standards.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this while inaugurating the remodelled domestic terminal at the airport, named after the late Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo.
Keyamo said the funding would support the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, including the runway, taxiways and other airside facilities, adding that contractors had already been mobilised to site.
According to the minister, about 60 per cent of the approved funds have been released to accelerate the project, which is aimed at modernising one of Nigeria’s oldest airports.
He expressed confidence that, on completion, the airport would be equipped to handle all categories of aircraft operating in the country.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, announced that rehabilitation and expansion of the airport’s Hajj terminal would commence soon.
She said the upgraded domestic terminal features an improved baggage handling system, upgraded conveyor facilities, enhanced air-conditioning and other mechanical improvements designed to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Chairman of the FAAN Board, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the project as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to developing an aviation sector that meets global standards of safety, efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
Meanwhile, aviation unions have issued indigenous airlines with a fresh seven-day ultimatum over their alleged failure to remit the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The ultimatum, which took effect on Monday, was issued by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).
In a joint statement signed by ATSSSAN General Secretary, Frances Akinjole, and NUATE Deputy General Secretary, Odinaka Igbokwe, and addressed to the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the unions said an earlier 14-day ultimatum expired on 8 July 2026 without compliance by the affected airlines.
The unions warned that they would commence picketing of indigenous airlines if the outstanding remittances were not paid within the new deadline.
According to them, the continued non-remittance of the Ticket Sales Charge has deprived aviation agencies of critical revenue required to sustain safe flight operations and has adversely affected the welfare of aviation workers.
They added that the situation poses serious safety and security concerns for Nigeria’s aviation sector and could undermine staff morale and operational safety if left unresolved.
