The Federal Government has mobilised all relevant aviation agencies to ensure the speedy completion and operationalisation of the Sokoto State Hajj Airport ahead of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has announced.
This follows a courtesy visit by the Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), in Abuja on Monday, 30th March, 2026.
During the visit, Keyamo directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mahmud Adam Kambari; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, to immediately engage with the Secretary to the State Government of Sokoto State, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Sifawa, to identify any bottlenecks and provide practical solutions for the timely delivery of the project.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning Sokoto as a strategic hub for Hajj operations in Nigeria and assured that all necessary infrastructure and operational requirements would be put in place for the airport to commence full operations in time for the 2026 Hajj.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, who disclosed that the airport project is fully funded by the Sokoto State Government and has reached about 90 percent completion, commended the Ministry’s leadership for their continued support and collaboration.
The Governor also revealed that arrangements have 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.
He appealed for expedited approvals and support to enable the airport to airlift Sokoto pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj directly from the state.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
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