Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, clarified the renaming of Abubakar Imam International Airport to Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport. He explained that the decision aimed to align names with corresponding significance, ensuring the late literary icon Abubakar Imam was honored appropriately by naming the State Polytechnic Zungeru after him. The governor emphasized that President Bola Tinubu approved this decision, and the change was made after the airport's recent commissioning. The announcement was made during a live interview on TVC News at 10, as conveyed by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.

To address the sentiments of Niger citizens, the Governor decided to name the State Polytechnic Zungeru after the late literary icon Abubakar Imam, emphasizing that it aligns appropriately with the significance, describing it as a "square peg in a square hole."

Bago, while elucidating the choice to name the Polytechnic after Imam, emphasized that the decision was merely to match the right person with the right position, symbolized by putting a "square peg in a square hole." Ibrahim highlighted the Governor's acknowledgment of the renowned Hausa author's substantial contributions, suggesting that naming educational institutions after the Literary Icon was most fitting, considering his impact not only on the State but the entire country, especially northern Nigeria.

Regarding the renaming of the Airport as Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, a decision made less than a year after it was named Abubakar Imam Kagara International Airport, Bago explained, "It is in appreciation of the President, for approving the State to establish the first special Airport Agro-Processing Free Zone in Nigeria and his immense contributions to nation building."

Bago emphasized the substantial support received from the Tinubu-led government, expressing admiration for the President as an adept politician and outstanding leader deserving of celebration. He clarified that the Airport's renaming was a result of consultations with key stakeholders, including members of the State Executive Council, and after obtaining the President's approval.