The Kano State Government says it will establish a state-owned commercial airline within the next year as part of efforts to create employment opportunities for trained pilots and expand the state’s presence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the plan during the 40th Executive Council Meeting at the Government House, Kano, where he received multiple awards, including a recognition from the Kano State Pilot Association for supporting the completion of aviation training for members of the association.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the proposed Kano Airline is part of the administration’s strategy to create jobs for indigenous aviation professionals and boost economic development.
Yusuf said the state government was committed to providing the necessary support to ensure the successful take-off of the airline within the stipulated timeframe.
“We are determined to establish the proposed Kano Airline within the next one year. We will provide all the necessary support to actualise the project and ensure its successful operation,” the governor said.
He commended Kano-sponsored pilots who completed aviation training in Jordan under a programme initiated by a previous administration, describing them as valuable assets capable of contributing to the growth of the state’s aviation industry.
“I am impressed by the outstanding performance of our young pilots. We will continue to support them and create opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the aviation sector,” Yusuf added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Pilot Association, Naziru Ibrahim, applauded the governor for facilitating the revalidation of members’ flying licences, describing the intervention as a significant boost to their careers.
He appealed to the government to provide further support to enable members to obtain the final certifications required to operate commercial flights within Nigeria and internationally.
West Trybe reports that several Nigerian states have invested in aviation infrastructure and government-backed airlines to improve connectivity, attract investment and stimulate economic growth. If realised, the proposed Kano Airline would place the state among the few sub-national governments operating commercial airline services while creating employment opportunities for locally trained pilots and other aviation professionals.
