“₦712 Billion Airport Overhaul” — FG Approves Massive Renovation of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos
The Federal Government has launched a landmark initiative to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector, unveiling a ₦712.26 billion renovation project for Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, the project marks the most significant investment in Nigeria’s aviation history.
Central to the plan is the complete dismantling and reconstruction of International Terminal One. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) will lead the extensive overhaul, which will replace all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to meet global standards. The minister described the process as stripping the terminal down to its “carcass” before rebuilding it entirely, ensuring a state-of-the-art facility upon completion.
This massive upgrade forms part of a broader ₦900 billion aviation revitalization strategy aimed at modernizing airports nationwide. Besides Terminal One, the government has also greenlit the expansion of Terminal Two, which includes the construction of a new aircraft apron, access roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.
Security enhancements are also a key feature, with a ₦49.9 billion project approved to erect a 14.6-kilometer steel perimeter fence around the airport. This will be equipped with advanced intrusion detection systems, solar-powered floodlights, CCTV surveillance, and a centralized command center for real-time monitoring. Minister Keyamo emphasized the importance of these measures in protecting Nigeria’s busiest airport, assuring that any breach attempt will be instantly detected and precisely located.
The renovation is expected to take 22 months, signaling a significant upgrade for MMIA, which serves as Nigeria’s aviation gateway. However, while the plan has attracted widespread acclaim for its ambition and scale, some critics question the disproportionate focus on Lagos, suggesting potential regional favoritism in the allocation of federal infrastructure funds.
