Sokoto gov raises alarm over faulty runway lighting at Sultan airport

By Musa Ubandawaki

Sokoto State Government has raised serious safety concerns over the inadequate navigational lighting system at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, warning that the defect is already forcing aircraft to divert to neighbouring states during night operations.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu has therefore called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to urgently repair and upgrade the airport’s aviation lighting system ahead of the 2026 Hajj airlift.

The governor made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, at his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

Aliyu warned that the poor lighting infrastructure is posing a major operational and safety challenge, particularly for aircraft attempting to land or take off at night, when pilots depend heavily on runway lighting and navigational aids for visibility and safe manoeuvring.

According to him, the lack of adequate lighting has already compelled several aircraft scheduled to land in Sokoto during evening hours to divert to Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi for safety reasons.

The governor noted that the situation not only disrupts flight schedules but also exposes passengers to avoidable inconvenience while posing potential operational risks to pilots flying under low-visibility conditions.

“We are deeply concerned about the absence of a reliable lighting system at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, especially as preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj operations,” Aliyu said.

He explained that most Hajj flights traditionally depart during late evening or night hours, stressing that failure to fix the lighting system could seriously affect the smooth airlift of pilgrims from the state.

“The inability of airlines to operate at night is already denying the state significant aviation opportunities. If the situation persists, it could complicate logistics for Hajj operations and other scheduled flights,” the governor added.

Aliyu, however, commended the minister for initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector and improving airport infrastructure across the country.

Responding, Keyamo assured the Sokoto governor that the ministry would urgently address the lighting challenges to ensure the airport meets operational safety standards for both day and night flights.

The minister also acknowledged the Sokoto State Government’s investments in infrastructure around the airport, noting that they have significantly improved its operational outlook.

Among the projects executed by the state government are the construction of the airport access road, the establishment of a modern Hajj terminal, the beautification of the airport corridor, and the ongoing construction of a VIP lounge.

Keyamo thanked the governor for his commitment to improving aviation facilities in the state and reiterated the federal government’s resolve to strengthen airport operations nationwide.

Governor Aliyu was accompanied on the visit by the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Sifawa, and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sokoto, Aminu Dikko.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry, Mahmoud Kambari, and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Engr. Faruk Ahmed.

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