Governor Abba Yusuf has announced plans by the Kano State Government to establish a state-owned commercial airline, saying the initiative is aimed at creating employment opportunities for indigenes who have completed professional pilot training.

The governor made the announcement during the 40th Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Kano, where he received several awards, including a recognition from the Kano State Pilot Association for his administration’s support for pilots in the state.

His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.

Yusuf said the proposed airline is expected to begin operations within the next year, expressing confidence that the state government would provide the necessary backing to ensure the project’s success.

He noted that the airline would offer qualified pilots from Kano an opportunity to apply their skills while contributing to the growth of the aviation industry.

The governor also praised the performance of Kano-sponsored pilots who received aviation training in Jordan under a programme introduced by a previous administration, describing their achievements as encouraging.

According to him, the state government remains committed to supporting the pilots and creating more opportunities for them to play active roles in the country’s aviation sector.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Kano State Pilot Association, Naziru Ibrahim, commended the governor for assisting members of the association in revalidating their flying licences.

He also appealed for additional government support to enable the pilots obtain their final certifications, which would qualify them to operate commercial flights within Nigeria and on international routes.