By Kunle Sanni –
The Federal Government has approved a total of ₦156.9 billion for major upgrades at key airports across the country, including Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, as part of efforts to enhance aviation safety, operational efficiency, and infrastructure nationwide.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approvals on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
According to Keyamo, ₦46.39 billion has been allocated for the rehabilitation of runways and taxiways at the Kano airport. The project, expected to be completed within 24 weeks, also includes an upgrade of the airfield lighting system to Category Two (CAT 2) standards—aimed at reducing flight delays and cancellations due to poor visibility or adverse weather conditions.
Similar improvements have been approved for Port Harcourt International Airport, with ₦42.14 billion earmarked for the repair of its runway and taxiway, along with CAT 2 lighting upgrades.
In Lagos, airfield lighting on Runways 18L/36R and Taxiways B and C will be replaced with advanced CAT 2 LED lighting systems under a ₦44.13 billion contract expected to be completed within 30 weeks.
Additionally, the FEC approved a ₦24.27 billion project to overhaul over 82,000 square meters of apron space at Lagos’ domestic terminal. The phased project, which will span approximately 17 and a half months, aims to expand aircraft parking capacity and streamline ground operations.
In another major decision, the Council approved the full business case for the 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to private operators. The move is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to make airports financially viable and reduce the burden of subsidising loss-making terminals.
“Most of the smaller airports, apart from the major ones, are running at a loss,” Keyamo said. “The profits we make from Kano, Lagos, and Abuja often go into keeping these others alive. That is why this administration is pursuing airport concessions—to allow private entities to run them more efficiently and profitably.”
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