The Jigawa State Government has signed an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with Rano Air Limited for the commencement of scheduled commercial flights between Abuja and Dutse. In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the state government……
The Jigawa State Government has signed an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with Rano Air Limited for the commencement of scheduled commercial flights between Abuja and Dutse.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the state government said the agreement was aimed at improving connectivity and supporting growing economic activities in the state.
The signing ceremony, held at the Government House in Dutse, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman, who represented Governor Umar Namadi.
Under the agreement, Rano Air will operate scheduled commercial flights on the Abuja-Dutse-Abuja route three times a week — Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays — using a 50-passenger aircraft.
The state government will facilitate the development of the route during its initial period and create the conditions necessary for its commercial sustainability.
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Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor described the agreement as an important milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity for residents.
He said regular commercial flights between Dutse and Abuja would provide an additional means of transportation while creating new opportunities for economic growth.
“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.
Usman said Jigawa was experiencing growing economic activities in agriculture, commerce, investment, education, tourism and public administration, making efficient, reliable and convenient transportation increasingly important.
“The availability of regular air services will make it easier for investors, businesspeople, government officials, development partners, professionals, and visitors to travel to and from Jigawa State. It will also contribute to our efforts to make Jigawa a more attractive destination for investment and business.”
The Deputy Governor said the partnership would be based on responsibility, accountability and performance, with the state government expecting the airline to maintain high standards of safety, reliability, professionalism and customer service.
“We expect AA Reno Airline to maintain higher standards of safety, reliability, professionalism, and customer service. We also expect adherence to the agreement, flight schedule, and continuous engagement,” he said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Rano Air Limited, Alhaji Lawan Sabo Bakin Zuwo, said the airline was committed to making the partnership successful.
“We understand the importance of this service. We want to assure the Jigawa state government and the people of Jigawa that Rano Air is fully committed to making this partnership a success,” he said.
Bakin Zuwo commended Governor Namadi for his leadership and support, saying his commitment to the development of Jigawa had been instrumental in making the partnership possible.
“We sincerely appreciate the visionary leadership and support of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Jugawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, whose commitment to the development of the state has been instrumental in making this partnership possible.”
He also appreciated the Deputy Governor and the Jigawa State Government for their cooperation and confidence in Rano Air.
The Rano Air managing director said safety would remain the airline’s highest priority, alongside reliability, operational efficiency and customer service.
“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.
According to Bakin Zuwo, the partnership would provide benefits beyond transportation by supporting family connections, business and investment, government activities and the wider economy.
“We believe this partnership will connect families, facilitate business and investment, support government activities, and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Jugawa states,” he said.
The Abuja-Dutse-Abuja service will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

