Jigawa State Government has secured formal approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to install cargo handling infrastructure at Dutse International Airport, a development expected to position the airport as a key cargo hub in northern Nigeria.
Governor Umar Namadi disclosed this milestone on Sunday, during a routine facility inspection and calibration exercise by a technical team from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), who were on site to assess the airport’s navigational aids and ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
Speaking to newsmen in Dutse, the governor said the approval marks a significant step in his administration’s strategic plan to expand the operational capacity of the airport. Namadi emphasized that ongoing discussions with FAAN culminated in the clearance to begin installing cargo infrastructure in preparation for full cargo operations at the facility.
“This is an important day for us in our efforts to ensure that all airport facilities in Jigawa State operate in accordance with global best practices,” Namadi said, noting that adherence to aviation safety and performance standards remains a top priority.
He also commended the airport management and technical teams for their proactive approach to safety, particularly through the ongoing calibration process, which he described as critical to maintaining high levels of operational readiness.
Governor Namadi assured that the state government would continue to invest in the airport’s infrastructure and ensure necessary facilities are commissioned and fully operational to support cargo activities.
Officials from FAAN and NAMA reiterated that the installation of cargo facilities would bolster the airport’s capacity to handle freight, strengthen regional trade linkages and contribute to expanding non-oil export potentials in the North-West and beyond.
Dutse International Airport, initially built in 2010, has since been earmarked for transformation into a logistics and cargo processing centre, a move seen as part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and diversify revenue streams.
