By Bashir Rabe Mani
Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to urgently fix the faulty lighting system at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, ahead of the 2026 Hajj airlift.
The appeal is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Sokoto by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa.
Aliyu made the call during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
He described the airport’s poor lighting system as a major challenge limiting flight operations, particularly at night, noting that the state is losing opportunities as airlines are unable to land after dark.
“We are concerned about the lack of a functional lighting system at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, especially as Hajj operations approach.
“Most of our flights to the Holy Land usually depart at night, and unless this issue is resolved, such operations may face serious difficulties,” the governor said.
He also commended the minister for initiatives aimed at improving Nigeria’s aviation sector.
In his response, Keyamo assured that the ministry would urgently address the lighting challenges to enable effective day and night operations at the airport.
He also praised the governor for ongoing infrastructural developments at the airport, including the construction of an access road, a modern Hajj terminal, beautification of the airport road, and a VIP lounge project.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring efficiency at federal airports nationwide.
Aliyu was accompanied on the visit by the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, and Chief of Staff, Aminu Haliru Dikko.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Engr. Faruk Ahmed.
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