By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Kebbi State Government has revealed how it revitalized the previously abandoned Kebbi International Airport, returning it to the Hajj airlift and other aviation hubs in less than two years.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, said, “Upon assuming the governorship of Kebbi State in May 2023, Dr. Nasir Idris faced the challenge of revitalizing the so-called ‘International’ Airport, which had long lost its operational status.
“Despite its ‘International’ title, the facility had remained dormant for over eleven months before the administration of Dr. Nasir Idris took office—a situation that rendered it more of a relic than a functional transport hub. The reluctance of airlines to operate in Kebbi, choosing instead to operate from Sokoto, stemmed from concerns over economic viability.
“Using the airport for the annual Hajj pilgrimage was equally untenable. Without a dedicated fuel dump, international carriers avoided the terminal altogether, leaving it lifeless and underutilized. This made the Hajj airlift impossible, and pilgrims from Kebbi had to endure the cumbersome road journey to Sokoto before they could fly to Saudi Arabia.
“Two problems, therefore, made the airport inoperative: first, the lack of airlines willing to operate the route, and second, the inability to use the airport for the Hajj airlift.
“Recognizing the detrimental impact on Kebbi’s reputation as a thriving state in Nigeria, Governor Idris promptly took action to rectify this glaring issue. His proactive approach involved reaching out to several airlines and forging agreements that led to the return of domestic flight operations, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the airport.
“Understanding the critical need for a fully operational fuel facility, Idris prioritized the development of a Jet-A Fuel Dump at the airport. His determination led to the rapid construction of a fuel dump—an essential infrastructure with a capacity exceeding 180,000 liters.
“The results were immediate and significant: international airlines began to flock to Kebbi, willing to participate in the Hajj airlift. The airport transformed from an unrecognized terminal to a global aviation hub, where flights now land not just for pilgrims, but also for refueling on international routes. It is on record that aircraft on international flights land at the airport for the sole purpose of refueling before continuing their journeys.
“The last Hajj airlift took place there, and the upcoming one, just months away, is also set to be conducted from the airport.
“Governor Nasir Idris’s decisive leadership and ability to identify and resolve key issues have successfully restored the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport to its rightful place on the map, making it truly ‘international’ in every sense.”