The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has led a delegation to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State, for a comprehensive inspection of recently installed facilities aimed at enhancing the airlift of Pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise
Special Assistant to the Minister on Media and Communications, Mr. Tunde Moshood, said in a press statement made available to Newsmen – that the visit was to ensure the smooth conduct of Hajj operations in the state.
Accompanied by some officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, and some top Directors at the agency, the Minister assessed the readiness of the airport to cater to the needs of pilgrims during the exercise expected to commence this week
Before the facility inspection, the Minister had paid a courtesy visit to the Kano State governor, Abba Kabir, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr, Aminu Gwarzo.
During the meeting, the aviation minister expressed confidence that 2024 Hajj operation would run smoothly in Kano State.
Keyamo further outlined three critical requests to the Kano State government for enhancing the efficiency and functionality of the airport.
Firstly, he urged the state government to facilitate the installation of a dedicated powerline at the airport to address persistent issues of power outages, particularly affecting the air-conditioning system.
Secondly, he appealed for the state’s support in acquiring two additional generating plants to supplement the electricity supply at the airport by ensuring uninterrupted operations for pilgrims and travellers.
Lastly, the Minister brought attention to property belonging to Skypower that have been under dispute, seeking the state government’s intervention to resolving the matter amicably.
In response, Mr Aminu Gwarzo assured the Minister of government’s commitment to addressing the outlined requests promptly.