President Tinubu Approves Renaming Of Federal Airports Across Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed several federal government-owned airports in Nigeria after prominent Nigerian figures. This decision, part of the ongoing reforms in the Aviation sector, aims to honor the legacies of these esteemed individuals.

The Federal Ministry of Aviation, through a memo dated June 1, 2023, and signed by Director of Airport Operations, Joke Olatunji, announced the renaming of the airports. Each new name reflects the immense contributions and impact made by the individuals in their respective fields.

Among the notable changes, the Maiduguri Airport now bears the name of former President Muhammadu Buhari, recognizing his significant role in Nigeria’s history. The Port Harcourt Airport has been renamed after the iconic Obafemi Awolowo, an esteemed statesman and nationalist. Additionally, the Nasarawa Airport pays homage to the late founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, Usman Dan Fodio.

Other airports that received new names include Benin Airport, now named after the late Oba of Benin, Oba Akenzua II. The Ebonyi Airport has been dedicated to the memory of the late Senate President Chuba Okadigbo, while the Ibadan Airport honors the late Premier of the old Western Region, Ladoke Akintola.

The comprehensive list of renamed airports is as follows:

Akure Airport – Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu
Benin Airport – Oba Akenzua II
Dutse Airport – Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi
Ebonyi Airport – Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo
Gombe Airport – Brigadier Zakari Maimalari
Ibadan Airport – Samuel Ladoke Akintola
Ilorin Airport – Gen. Tunde Idiagbon
Kaduna Airport – Hassan Usman Katsina
Maiduguri Airport – Gen. Mumammadu Buhari
Makurdi Airport – Joseph Sarwuan Tarka
Minna Airport – Mallam Abubakar Imam
Nassarawa Airport – Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio
Osubi Airport – Alfred Diete Spiff
Port Harcourt Airport – Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo
Yola Airport – Lamido Aliyu Mustaph

This significant move by President Tinubu has garnered both praise and interest from Nigerians nationwide. The renaming of these airports serves as a reminder of the extraordinary contributions made by these remarkable individuals and their lasting impact on Nigerian society.