Sokoto Targets 23 Indigenous Pilots for Newly Established Caliphate Airline
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to train at least 23 indigenes as pilots for its newly established Caliphate Airline, with the aim of producing at least one pilot from each of the state’s 23 local government areas.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development Dr. Bashir Muhammad Achida, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Sokoto on the state government’s plans for the airline under Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto
Achida said the government was prioritising the development of indigenous manpower to ensure the effective management and long-term sustainability of the airline.
He explained that each local government area would nominate one or two prospective candidates for the training, although the immediate objective was to have at least one qualified pilot from every council area.
The commissioner noted that the plan would significantly expand the state’s pool of aviation professionals, complementing pilots already available to the airline.
He said the training programme would combine local and international opportunities, depending on the candidates’ qualifications and existing aviation experience.
According to him, candidates who already hold a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) may require additional training to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence, while those without any aviation licence would have to begin their training from the initial stage.
Achida stressed that candidates trained abroad would be expected to validate their licences in Nigeria and familiarise themselves with the country’s aviation operating environment.
He also identified facilities such as the Azman aviation training base as potential avenues for training and developing indigenous pilots.
On the economic implications of the project, the commissioner described the establishment of Caliphate Airline as a significant initiative aimed at increasing the state’s revenue, creating jobs and opening up new business opportunities.
He said the airline was conceived by Governor Aliyu’s administration to improve air connectivity and position Sokoto to benefit more from the aviation industry.
Achida cited Ibom Air in Akwa Ibom State as an example of a state owned airline, adding that Sokoto’s proposed five aircraft fleet would provide a foundation for its entry into commercial aviation.
He disclosed that Caliphate Airline would begin operations with three Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft and two Embraer 190-100 series aircraft, initially serving Sokoto, Abuja and Kano.
According to him, the airline is expected to ease the difficulties faced by passengers travelling to and from Sokoto while improving access to the state, which holds significant religious and cultural importance as the Seat of the Caliphate.
He added that the initiative would create opportunities for aircraft engineers, pilots and airline management professionals, helping to build a skilled workforce within the state.
The commissioner called on residents and other stakeholders to support the project, expressing confidence that the airline could expand its operations to international routes within the next ten years.
Drawing comparisons with Ethiopia, he said the state could harness aviation as a driver of economic growth, investment and development.
Achida also observed that Nigeria currently lacks a national commercial carrier, arguing that Sokoto’s investment in aviation could contribute to the development of the country’s air transport sector.
Our correspondent reports that Caliphate Airline has been incorporated as a limited liability company to provide domestic passenger and cargo services. The airline has secured its Air Transport Licence (ATL) and is awaiting its Airline Operator Certificate (AOC, which is required before commercial flight operations can commence.
