- Here is a list of international airports in Nigeria
- Zamfara State had commenced the construction of an international airport
- Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, stated the economic and social impacts of the new development in Zamfara State
In an apparent bid to increase the number of international airports in the country, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, announced the ongoing construction of an international airport in Zamfara State
Making the statement on Thursday, June 21, the minister disclosed that the airport would be named Gusau International Airport and would ensure that Zamfara is not left out in the comity of states to have airports, especially as it is an agricultural hub.
Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, reiterated his commitment to promoting a New Zamfara with an international outlook that will boost Zamfara’s local and international inventions. He said that the international airport construction would be a ‘smart airport’ that would accommodate both local and international flights.
In light of the new development in Zamfara State, TheRadar compiles a full list of international airports in Nigeria.
Lists of international airports in Nigeria
1. Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos State
This airport is located in Ikeja, Lagos State. It was originally known as ‘Lagos International Airport’. It underwent a significant transformation in the 1970s, and the Airport was renamed ‘Murtala Muhammed International Airport’ in honour and recognition of Murtala Mohammed's leadership prowess, who was a military head of state.
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
This airport is situated in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It started operations officially in 2002 and hosts both local and international flights. It was named after Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe.
3. Malam Aminu International Airport, Kano State
This Airport is located in Kano City, Kano State. It was originally known as ‘The Royal Air Force Station’ before Nigeria's independence in 1960. It was renamed ‘Malam Aminu International Airport’ after independence. It is the first airport to be established in Nigeria. The Airport commenced conveying passengers in 1936. The aviation centre serves both civilian and military purposes.
4. Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto State
It is popularly known as ‘Sultan Saddik Abubakar Airport’. It was named after Sadiq Abubakar, who was the Sultan of Sokoto from 1938 to 1988.
5. Kaduna Airport, Kaduna State
This is one of the oldest Airports in Nigeria. It is located in Kaduna, Kaduna State and officially opened in 1982. Authorities suspended flight operations in 2023 due to insecurity but operations have since resumed.
6. Ilorin International Airport, Ilorin, Kwara State
This Airport is located in Ilorin, Kwara State. It was officially opened on February 16, 1978.
7. Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu State.
It is also called ‘Enugu Airport’. It was named after the late Akanu Ibiam, who was a physician and native of Afikpo in Ebonyi State. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) closed the airport on February 10, 2010, for some innovations and expansions. It reopened on December 16, 2010, and further construction has been ongoing since then.
8. Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Rivers State.
The airport was constructed in the quest for a modernised aviation infrastructure in Nigeria. It is located in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. It was officially commissioned in 2018 by erstwhile president, Muhammadu Buhari.
9. Anambra International Cargo Airport
This airport is located in Umuleri, Anambra State. It officially began operation on December 7, 2021.
Lagos State Government wants to overhaul its transport sector
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the government of Lagos State released its transport policy, a comprehensive plan that shows the phases in which it would transform the transport sector.
Some of the plans included in the policy include the installation of CCTV cameras, transport police and cowry ticketing to public transport modes.
