Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has explained why the Federal Government approved N712 billion for the renovation of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. He said the overhaul is vital to modernise the airport, handle rising passenger traffic, and meet global standards.
Terminal One to Be Rebuilt
Keyamo said the project will focus mainly on Terminal One, the older of the two international terminals in Lagos. Built in 1979, it has become structurally weak due to decades of overuse and neglect.
“We’re stripping the building down to its carcass and rebuilding it to modern international standards,” he said.
Both Wings D and E of the terminal will be affected. The roof and interior will be completely removed and redesigned.
Terminal Two, completed with a Chinese loan and made operational in 2023 under President Tinubu, will be expanded. Plans include:
Enlarging the apron to handle more and bigger aircraft
Expanding the terminal building itself
Creating two new ring roads: one for arrivals, one for departures
Building a new bridge that connects directly to the upper departure floor
This will fix a design flaw that currently forces travellers to carry luggage up escalators.
Keyamo said the renovated MMIA will include smart solutions and tech-driven features to enhance operations, making it globally competitive.
“We’re delivering a smart airport that Nigerians can be proud of,” he added.
Project Funded by Subsidy Savings
Importantly, the project won’t be funded with loans. It will be financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, which was created from savings after the fuel subsidy removal.
Public Monitoring and Cost Justification
To ensure transparency, Keyamo promised to involve:
Journalists
Civil society groups
Lawmakers
They will be invited for regular site tours to monitor the work.
He also urged Nigerians to compare the MMIA project with similar airports in Africa, like in Angola, to understand the cost. The Bureau of Public Procurement reviewed and approved the final N712bn budget.
Keyamo noted that while Nigeria has new terminals in Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, they remain underused, operating below 30% capacity due to low traffic.
