Kwankwaso Hails Tinubu’s ₦46bn Kano Runway Project, Calls for Bipartisan Support
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — A frontline All Progressives Congress chieftain, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, on Thursday welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, describing it as a significant boost to Northern Nigeria’s economy.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approval on Tuesday while inaugurating the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Kano airport.
Keyamo had on that occasion revealed that about 60 per cent of the contract sum had already been released, adding that the contractor had mobilised to the site.
Addressing newsmen in Kano over the development, Dr.Kwankwaso who is also the Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, urged Northerners to set aside political differences and acknowledge what he called a major infrastructure intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the project would enhance commercial activities and strengthen Kano’s role as the region’s aviation and trading hub.
“This is a project that will benefit the entire North. I expect our people, irrespective of political affiliation, to appreciate President Tinubu for approving it because it will stimulate trade, investment and economic activities across the region,” he said.
He also encouraged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of recognising positive government initiatives instead of focusing solely on perceived shortcomings.
“We should appreciate good leadership whenever it is demonstrated rather than amplify only negative developments while ignoring meaningful progress,” he added.
Mr Kwankwaso also commended the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Governing Board, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Minister of Aviation, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, and other stakeholders for supporting the project.
He assured that the reconstructed runway would restore Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport’s position as Northern Nigeria’s foremost aviation gateway.
Kwankwaso therefore appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and other influential figures in the region to encourage support for initiatives that advance regional development.