The Jigawa State Government has entered into an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with Rano Air Limited to launch scheduled commercial flights between Abuja and Dutse, in a move aimed at improving connectivity and supporting the state’s growing economic activities.
Under the agreement, Rano Air will operate the Abuja-Dutse-Abuja route three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with a 50-passenger aircraft.
The partnership is expected to reduce the time and logistical difficulties associated with travelling between the state capital and the Federal Capital Territory, while providing businesses, investors, government agencies and development partners with more convenient access to Jigawa.
The state government will provide initial support for the route and facilitate conditions intended to make the service commercially sustainable over the long term.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Dutse, Aminu Usman, deputy governor of Jigawa State, who represented Governor Umar Namadi, said the agreement marked an important step towards expanding the state’s transportation infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for investment.
Usman said reliable air connectivity would facilitate the movement of investors, businesspeople, government officials, professionals, development partners and visitors, thereby strengthening Jigawa’s attractiveness as a destination for business and investment.
‘The commencement of regular commercial flights between Dutse and Abuja is more than simply introducing an airline route. It is about opening a new chapter of economic opportunities for our state,’ he said.
He said the expansion of activities in agriculture, commerce, investment, education, tourism and public administration had increased the demand for faster and more reliable transportation links.
According to him, improved air connectivity could also strengthen interactions between Jigawa and Abuja, where many federal institutions, regulatory agencies, development organisations and corporate bodies are based.
Usman said the state government expected Rano Air to maintain high standards of safety, reliability, professionalism and customer service, while operating according to the agreed schedule and maintaining regular engagement with the government.
He said the government’s support for the route was designed to help establish a viable service that could eventually operate on a commercially sustainable basis.
Lawan Sabo Bakin Zuwo, managing director of Rano Air Limited, pledged the airline’s commitment to making the partnership successful.
‘At Rano Air, safety remains our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining the highest applicable standard of safety, reliability, operational efficiency and customer service,’ he said.
Bakin Zuwo commended the Jigawa State Government for its support and confidence in the airline, saying the new route would deliver benefits beyond passenger transportation.
He said the service would facilitate business transactions, investment activities, government operations, family connections and other forms of interaction that could contribute to the state’s wider economic development.
The Abuja-Dutse route is expected to provide an additional transportation option for residents and businesses while improving Jigawa’s connection to Nigeria’s political and administrative centre.
For a state with a predominantly agricultural economy and growing commercial activities, improved connectivity could also make it easier for investors, professionals and development partners to access projects and opportunities across the state.
The agreement therefore places air connectivity within the broader effort to improve the infrastructure needed to support economic activity, attract investment and integrate Jigawa more closely with national markets.