Sokoto State owned airlines carrier, Caliphate Airlines would be inaugurated on August 18, 2026.
This was disclosed by a high-powered delegation from the Sokoto State Government during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN).
A statement by Special Adviser On Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister, Tunde Moshood said the delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Aminu Haliru Dikko, mni, included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Mohammad Bello Sifawa, the Director of Operations of Caliphate Airlines, Capt. Oluwashina Agbelese, and the Account Manager, Capt. Abdulkarim Abioye.
Moshood added that the leader of the delegation conveyed appreciation of Sokoto State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, to the Honourable Minister for his unwavering support towards the establishment of the airline.
He said the airline, which is structured as a limited liability company to provide domestic passenger and cargo services, is scheduled to be officially commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on August 18, 2026.
The delegation noted that the visit was to formally appreciate the Minister for his encouragement and strategic support throughout the airline’s development process, while also seeking his continued intervention in facilitating the timely issuance of the Airline Operator Certificate (AOC) to enable the airline commence commercial operations as scheduled.
Providing an update on the airline’s operational readiness, the Director of Operations, Capt. Oluwashina Agbelese, disclosed that Caliphate Airlines will begin operations with a fleet of five aircraft comprising three Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft and two Embraer 190-100 series aircraft.
He added that two of the aircraft are already in Nigeria, while the remaining ones are expected to arrive before the inaugural flight of the airline.
According to him, the airline’s initial route network will be Sokoto-Abuja-Kano. Kano- Abuja- Sokoto with plans to progressively expand its domestic operations as demand grows.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the delegation and commended the Sokoto State Government for its vision in investing in the aviation sector as a catalyst for economic development, regional connectivity and job creation.
The Minister assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s continued support for genuine investors in Nigeria’s aviation industry, stressing that every necessary effort would be made to ensure that regulatory processes are concluded professionally and without unnecessary delays.
“I will do everything within my capacity to support this initiative and ensure that any impediments capable of delaying the commencement of operations are addressed promptly, while, of course, maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance,” the Minister stated.
He further noted that the successful launch of Caliphate Airlines would not only enhance connectivity in the North-West region but also contribute significantly to the Federal Government’s agenda of strengthening domestic air transport, boosting economic activities and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.
