The Federal Government has approved a N712 billion project to fully rehabilitate and modernize Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, explained that the project is a necessary measure to replace the old terminal, which was built in 1979 and has fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect.
The project aims to bring the airport’s infrastructure to modern international standards, addressing years of neglect and increased passenger traffic.
The government’s plan focuses on two main areas of the airport’s international terminals. Terminal One, the older building commissioned in 1979, will undergo a complete overhaul.
According to the statement made by the minister, the building will be “totally stripped down,” with only the core structure remaining, to be re-designed and re-built as a brand-new facility.
For Terminal Two, the newer building, the government has approved an expansion of both the terminal and the apron to accommodate more wide-body aircraft. Furthermore, the project will correct a “design error” by constructing two new, independent ring roads and a bridge.
This new bridge will provide direct access for travelers to the upper floor of the departure lounge, eliminating the need to carry luggage up escalators. The plan also includes the integration of smart technology to transform the facility into a modern, competitive airport.
The aviation minister also confirmed that the entire project will be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, explicitly stating that no loans will be used.
To ensure transparency, he pledged to invite the press, civil society groups, and other stakeholders on regular tours to monitor the progress and quality of the work.
He further encouraged Nigerians to research the costs of other modern airports globally to appreciate the value of the project’s budget.
He concluded by noting that while other new terminals in cities like Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt exist, they are currently underutilized, operating at less than 30% of their capacity.
