Kano State plans to launch its own commercial airline to create jobs for trained local pilots and boost the state's role in Nigeria's aviation sector. The carrier is expected to begin flying within the next year.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the initiative at the 40th Executive Council meeting at the Government House. He also received an award from the Kano State Pilot Association for backing pilots through their training programmes.
The proposed airline will hire Kano-trained pilots directly and help grow the state's economy, according to a statement from Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor's spokesperson. The move aims to stop skilled aviation professionals from leaving the state after completing expensive training but finding no jobs locally.
Yusuf committed to making the airline operational within one year, pledging full government backing for its launch and long-term viability. He stressed that the project would turn the state's aviation training investments into real economic gains.
The governor praised Kano-backed pilots who trained professionally in Jordan under an earlier state administration. According to him, these pilots have performed well academically, proving the worth of investing in people's skills and education.
Yusuf assured the pilots his administration would support them through the rest of their professional training while creating jobs at the new carrier. He said this commitment reflected his government's focus on building opportunity for its people.
Naziru Ibrahim, who heads the Kano State Pilot Association, thanked the governor for helping members renew their flying licences, which they need to keep their professional credentials valid. He called on the government to do more to help pilots get final certifications so they can fly commercial routes inside Nigeria and abroad.
Ibrahim noted that many trained pilots have finished their academic work and flight training but still need extra certification to work for airlines. Without these final credentials, they can't secure jobs in the commercial aviation market.
The proposed airline represents one of Kano's biggest bets on the aviation industry. It comes as Nigerian states look to grow their economies beyond the usual sources of income.
Observers believe a state-run carrier could link Kano better to major business cities across Nigeria and West Africa, drawing more trade, tourism and investment. This could strengthen Kano's position as a leading commercial hub in northern Nigeria.
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport already handles significant domestic and international traffic, serving business travellers and religious pilgrims. The new airline could build on this advantage and unlock more economic potential for the state.
