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Nigeria’s major airports not designed for international operations –Nigerian Government

The four major airports in Nigeria located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano were not designed as international facilities, the Nigerian Government said on Tuesday.
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said this was why the facilities had been put up for concession, adding that the airports were operating below expectations.
Sirika disclosed this at a stakeholders’ webinar during his presentation on Nigerian Airport Concession Strategy.
A media report had it that the Federal Government had put up the Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano airports for concession for a minimum of 20 years.
It is explained in a document on frequently asked questions about airport concession released by the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
In a document on the status of the road map/public-private partnership projects concession of airports made available to our correspondent, the government named the airports/parts that were up for concession.
They include the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos: international and cargo terminals; and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja: international, domestic, and cargo terminals.
Others include the Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt: international, domestic, and cargo terminals; and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano: international, domestic, and cargo terminals.
Speaking on the objectives of the concession project at the webinar on Tuesday, Sirika said, “The airports in Nigeria are currently operating in a suboptimal environment, most notably due to factors that will have to be improved as part of the public-private partnership program.”
He stated that there was an urgent need for infrastructure investments and modernization as all airports required investments in runway maintenance, navigation aids as well as terminal facilities.
The minister said, “There is relatively low asset utilization due to the limited opening hours of other smaller Nigerian airports; lack of terminal capacity as the airports fall short of gates, stands, and check-in desks.
“The airports have not been designed as international hubs but operate separate international and domestic terminals.”
On transaction advisers for the project, Sirika named them to include Infrata, Dentons, Proserve, Ciena, and Templars, describing them as reputable firms that would advise the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
He said the concessionaires would provide the investment required to upgrade the existing terminals, take over the new terminals and maintain them over a period to be determined based on financial assessment of each transaction.
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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