Controversy surrounds naming of airport after Tinubu in Nigerian state

The central Niger state in Nigeria has stirred controversy by renaming its recently refurbished local airport after President Bola Tinubu.

The decision to rename the Minna International Airport was justified by the state’s spokesperson, Hajia Binta Mammam, citing President Tinubu’s contributions to the state’s development and progress.

While the renaming was intended as a gesture of recognition, it has faced criticism from some Nigerians questioning its economic rationale.

The airport was previously called the Abubakar Imam International Airport. It was named after a very prominent figure, Mr. Abubakar Imam, a notable Nigerian writer and journalist who played a significant role in promoting Hausa language publications in northern Nigeria.

President Tinubu is set to visit Minna for the commissioning of the upgraded airport and the launch of an agricultural processing zone.

This move comes amidst broader plans by aviation authorities to rename 15 federal airports after distinguished Nigerians, including former presidents.