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The Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) was officially recommissioned on Tuesday this week after an extensive remodelling and upgrade project by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to transform the passenger experience at one of Nigeria’s busiest aviation hubs.
The ceremony, attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Governing Board Chairman of FAAN, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Managing Director of the Authority, Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, marks the culmination of a journey that began over two decades ago when the terminal’s original construction was first awarded during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The terminal’s history reflects the challenges that have often plagued Nigeria’s infrastructure development. Originally awarded in the early 2000s, the project suffered severe structural setbacks and funding delays, leading to its abandonment for several years. Through extensive rehabilitation, legislative interventions, and redesign efforts, the facility was eventually completed when the Central Bank of Nigeria stepped in through its corporate social responsibility programme to furnish the passenger lounges.
Before its initial commissioning on May 23, 2011 by then-Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Federal Government officially named the terminal after Muhammad Dankabo, founder of Northern Nigeria’s pioneer private airline, Kabo Airline, in honour of his contributions to Nigerian aviation.
Speaking at the commissioning, Kuku detailed the extensive scope of work undertaken in the latest renovation phase, which began in early 2023. “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,” she said.
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The upgrade includes state-of-the-art baggage handling systems with modern carousels and conveyor belts, new check-in counters with weighing scales, and air-conditioning systems throughout the terminal. Decorative water fountains have been installed to create an ambience of tranquillity, while external driveways, access roads, and pedestrian walkways have been reconstructed. Kuku particularly noted the terminal’s new lounge facilities, declaring them “the best of all the FAAN lounges in Nigeria.”
The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport holds a unique position within Nigeria’s aviation network, serving as the principal hub for Northern Nigeria and facilitating commercial activities, agricultural exports, tourism, religious pilgrimages, and regional trade across West and Central Africa.
According to Kuku, the airport processed 534,837 domestic passengers and 303,655 international passengers in the past year, totalling 838,492 travellers, making it Nigeria’s fourth busiest airport. The facility also handled over 7 million kilograms of imported cargo while exporting more than 1.2 million kilograms. “With these upgrades, I expect this airport to do even better and compete with Abuja and Lagos,” Kuku stated.
In a related announcement, Kuku revealed that the contract for the reconstruction, expansion, and remodelling of the existing Hajj Terminal at MAKIA has been awarded. The contractor is expected to take possession of the site this month, with operations scheduled to be fully ready ahead of the 2027 Hajj season.
