The Ahmed Aliyu administration has raised a serious red flag over safety conditions at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, warning that the airport’s poor navigational lighting is already affecting flight operations and putting passengers at risk.
According to the state government, the faulty lighting system has become a major problem during night operations, forcing some aircraft that should land in Sokoto to divert to Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport instead. For an airport expected to handle increased movement ahead of the 2026 Hajj, that is not just embarrassing, it is a genuine safety concern.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu made the appeal during a visit to Festus Keyamo in Abuja, where he called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to urgently fix and upgrade the airport’s lighting infrastructure. He stressed that pilots depend heavily on runway lights and navigational aids during low-visibility or nighttime landings, and without them, operations become risky and unreliable.
The governor explained that the issue is already causing disruptions to flight schedules and unnecessary inconvenience for travellers. But beyond that, it is also shutting Sokoto out of important aviation opportunities, especially at a time when preparations for Hajj airlift are gathering momentum. Since many Hajj flights often operate late in the evening or at night, the current condition of the airport could create serious logistical challenges if nothing is done quickly.
In simple terms, Sokoto is trying to prepare for a major religious and transport operation, but the airport is still struggling with one of the most basic things any international airport should have: proper lighting for safe night flights. That is the kind of issue that should not be allowed to drag close to such a critical travel season.
On the brighter side, Festus Keyamo reportedly assured the state government that the ministry would move urgently to address the problem and ensure the airport meets the standard required for both daytime and nighttime operations. He also acknowledged the efforts already made by the Sokoto State Government around the airport, including the access road, Hajj terminal, beautification works and an ongoing VIP lounge project.
At this point, the message from Sokoto is very clear: the airport cannot continue operating like this if it wants to function as a serious aviation hub. With Hajj 2026 drawing closer, this is no longer something to postpone. It is now a matter of safety, readiness and basic competence.