SIXTH Nigerian state reveals plans to start its own airline

Governor Abba Yusuf has revealed plans for Kano Airline to begin operations within the next year.
The proposed airline would create jobs for locally trained pilots, including graduates of a Jordan programme.
Nigeria currently has five state-backed airlines in operation or under development.
Other states including Anambra, Edo, Lagos, and Sokoto have announced airline ambitions.
Six northeastern states have been jointly developing a North-East Air Shuttle regional airline.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has revealed plans for a state-owned airline, with the proposed Kano Airline expected to begin operations within the next year to create jobs for locally trained pilots. The governor unveiled the plan during the state’s 40th executive council meeting at Government House in Kano after receiving an award from the Kano State Pilot Association recognising his administration’s support for pilots completing their aviation training. The proposed airline would provide employment opportunities for Kano indigenes who have completed professional pilot training, including graduates of a state-sponsored programme in Jordan launched by a previous administration.

Kano has joined a growing list of Nigerian state governments pursuing airline ventures. Nigeria currently has five state-backed airlines in operation or under development. Ibom Air has been operating in Akwa Ibom, Cally Air in Cross River, Enugu Air in Enugu, Air Bayelsa in Bayelsa, and Ebonyi Air in Ebonyi, while other states including Anambra, Edo, Lagos, and Sokoto have announced ambitions to establish their own carriers or partner with existing operators. Separately, six northeastern states have been jointly developing a proposed North-East Air Shuttle regional airline.

The proliferation of state-owned airlines in Nigeria has been driven by the desire to improve regional connectivity, create employment, and stimulate economic activity within individual states. The aviation sector in Nigeria has faced challenges including high operating costs, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory hurdles, but state governments have been pursuing these ventures as strategic investments in local development. The Kano Airline project has been positioned as a means to retain locally trained pilots who might otherwise seek employment abroad or with larger international carriers operating in the region.

Governor Abba Yusuf shared: “By the grace of God, the proposed Kano Airline will commence operations within the next one year. We are committed to providing all the necessary support to actualise the project and ensure its successful operation. The airline would provide employment opportunities for Kano indigenes who had completed professional pilot training, including graduates of a state-sponsored programme in Jordan launched by a previous administration.”