Nigeria: Criticism as one state names airport after President Tinubu

Niger state in central Nigeria has renamed its newly renovated regional airport after President Bola Tinubu, sparking criticism.

Provincial Spokesperson Hajia Binta Manmam said Minna International Airport was renamed by the president in recognition of the province’s development.

However, some Nigerians have criticized the move and questioned its economic significance.

Mr Tinubu will on Monday inaugurate the renovated airport and mark an agro-processing zone in the state capital, Minna.

This airport was formerly known as Abubakar His Imam International Airport, named after the Nigerian writer and journalist who founded the first Hausa language newspaper in northern Nigeria.

Last year, the country’s aviation authority announced plans to rename 15 federal airports after prominent Nigerians, including former presidents.