Sokoto Hajj airport will be ready for 2026 pilgrimage – Keyamo

Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that the Sokoto State Hajj Airport becomes fully operational ahead of the 2026 Hajj operations.

Keyamo gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja while receiving Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Governor of Sokoto State, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office.

According to a statement signed by Chindaya A.A., director of press and public affairs in the ministry, the minister emphasised the strategic importance of Sokoto as a key hub for Hajj operations in Nigeria, ensuring that all relevant aviation agencies would be mobilised to meet the timeline.

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He directed Mahmud Adam Kambari, permanent secretary of the ministry, alongside Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and Farouk Ahmed, managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, to immediately identify and address any bottlenecks hindering the project.

Keyamo also urged close collaboration with the Sokoto State Government, including Mohammed Bello Sifawa, secretary to the state government, to ensure practical solutions are implemented for the timely delivery of the airport.

He reiterated the federal government’s broader commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure nationwide in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Earlier, Governor Aliyu commended the minister and the ministry’s leadership for their continued support and partnership with the Sokoto State government.

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He disclosed that the airport project, fully funded by the state government, has reached about 90 per cent completion. According to him, arrangements have also 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.

The governor appealed to the federal government to expedite all necessary approvals to enable the airport to begin operations in time to airlift pilgrims from Sokoto State for the 2026 Hajj.