He met the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in disuse.
Upon assuming the governorship of Kebbi State in May 2023, Dr. Nasir Idris faced the challenge of revitalizing a so-called “International” Airport that had long lost its operational status.
Despite its “International title,” the facility had remained dormant for upward of eleven months before the coming of the administration of Dr Nasir Idris, -a situation that rendered it more of a relic than a functional transport hub. The reluctance of airlines to operate in Kebbi, opting instead for 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 Hajj airlift impossible and pilgrims from Kebbi had to go through the cumbersome road journey to Sokoto to get to Saudi Arabia.
Two problems had therefore made it inoperative. One was having airlines willing to operate the route and secondly using the Airport to airlift Pilgrims.
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 some airlines and forging agreements that spurred a return to domestic flight operations, ultimately 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 at the Airport – an essential infrastructure, which boasts a capacity exceeding 180,000 liters.
The results were immediate and significant: international airlines began to flock to Kebbi willing to be part of the Hajj airlift, transforming the airport from an unrecognized terminal to a hub of global aviation where flights now land not just for pilgrims, but also for refueling from various international destinations. It is on record that aircraft on international routes land at the airport for the sole purpose of refueling and moving on.
The last Hajj Aitlift took place there and the upcoming one, just months away is primed to take place there as well.
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.
Yakubu Ahmed BK is the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Kebbi State.
March 12, 2025
