Photo: Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN in a hand shake with Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto during a courtesy visit to the Ministry.
By Chidi Ugwu
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Sokoto State Hajj Airport becomes fully operational in time for the 2026 Hajj operations.
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According to a statement signed by Chindaya A. A. A, Director, Press and Public Affairs, Keyamo gave this assurance, 30th March, 2026, when the Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
Keyamo expressed appreciation for the Governor’s visit and emphasized the strategic importance of Sokoto as a major hub for Hajj operations in Nigeria. He assured that all relevant aviation agencies would be mobilized to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and operational requirements are put in place for the airport to commence full operations.
Keyamo directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, as well as the Secretary to the State Government of Sokoto State, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Sifawa, to immediately engage and identify any bottlenecks, with a view to providing practical solutions that will ensure timely delivery of the project.
Earlier, the Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, commended the Honourable Minister and the Ministry’s leadership for their continued support and collaboration with the Sokoto State Government.
He disclosed that the airport project, which is fully funded by the Sokoto State Government, has reached about 90 percent completion.
Aliyu further revealed that arrangements have been concluded for the acquisition of five aircraft, expected to be delivered within the next two to three weeks, in preparation for the commencement of operations.
He appealed to the Honourable Minister to ensure that all necessary approvals and support are expedited to enable the airport to become operational in time to airlift Sokoto pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj directly from the state.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development remains committed to strengthening aviation infrastructure across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
