Lagos, Nigeria – August 3, 2025 – The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has provided a detailed justification for the Federal Executive Council’s approval of N716 billion for the comprehensive renovation and expansion of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. In a statement released to the press, Keyamo outlined the scope of the project, emphasizing its necessity, transparency, and alignment with modern international standards.
Addressing Decades of Neglect at Terminal One
Keyamo explained that MMIA’s Terminal One, constructed in 1979 under the Obasanjo-led military regime, has become severely dilapidated due to years of neglect and increased passenger traffic far exceeding its original capacity. The terminal, comprising Wings D and E, will undergo a complete overhaul. The renovation will involve stripping the building to its core, replacing the entire roof, and redesigning it to meet contemporary global airport standards. “We have been doing patch jobs over the years to keep it functional, but it’s time to rebuild a world-class facility that reflects Nigeria’s ambitions,” Keyamo stated.
Expansion of Terminal Two and Infrastructure Upgrades
Terminal Two, a relatively newer facility completed during President Buhari’s administration and operationalized under President Tinubu, will also see significant upgrades. The approved funds will facilitate the expansion of the terminal building and its apron to accommodate more aircraft, including wide-body jets. Additionally, the project includes the construction of two independent ring roads—one for arrivals and one for departures—and a bridge to provide direct access to the upper floor of Terminal Two’s departure lounge, correcting a design flaw that currently forces passengers to use escalators with luggage.
Smart Airport Solutions and Funding
Keyamo highlighted the integration of “smart solutions” into the redesign to position MMIA as a globally competitive airport. He emphasized that the project will be funded entirely by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, a product of the federal government’s subsidy removal policy, and not through external loans. “This is a testament to the prudent management of resources under President Tinubu’s administration,” he noted.
Transparency and Public Engagement
To ensure accountability, Keyamo announced plans for regular site tours for the press, civil society organizations, members of the National Assembly, and interested Nigerians to monitor the project’s progress and quality. He also encouraged the public to research the costs of recently built modern airports globally, including in African nations like Angola, to appreciate the value secured by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) in scrutinizing and approving the project’s budget. “The BPP has done a fantastic job in ensuring cost-effectiveness for this transformative project,” he said.
Addressing Underutilized Airports
The minister also acknowledged that newly constructed terminals in Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are currently underutilized, operating at less than 30% of their capacity. He urged Nigerians to view the Lagos project as part of a broader effort to enhance the nation’s aviation infrastructure to meet growing demand and improve connectivity.
Visualizing the Future
To further clarify the scope of the renovation, Keyamo shared a video detailing the proposed works, which he described as a tool for transparency. “We want Nigerians to see exactly what we are doing and take pride in the world-class airport we are building,” he said.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians applauding the government’s commitment to modernizing MMIA, while others question the hefty price tag in light of economic challenges. Keyamo, however, remains optimistic, assuring the public that the project will deliver a facility that meets international standards and boosts national pride.
As the renovation progresses, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Aviation to ensure the project is executed efficiently and transparently, delivering on its promise to transform MMIA into a world-class aviation hub.
For more details, visit the official project video released by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
