…Clarifies subsidy savings will cover entire project cost
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has clarified the Federal Government’s plans for the redevelopment of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, following criticisms over the approval of N721 billion for the project.
The funding, according to the Keyamo, will not come from external loans but from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, sourced from savings accrued after the removal of fuel subsidies.
The Minister’s explanation comes after public scrutiny of the substantial sum approved by President Bola Tinubu during last week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
In a detailed statement shared on his verified social media accounts, the minister outlined the necessity of a complete overhaul of Terminal One, the oldest section of the airport, which he described as “totally decrepit” due to decades of neglect and overuse.
Total Reconstruction of Terminal One
The minister explained that Terminal One, built in 1979, consists of two wings—D and E—and has suffered severe deterioration due to passenger traffic far exceeding its original capacity. “We have been engaged in some patch jobs over the years just to make it a bit presentable,” he said.
However, he stressed that temporary fixes are no longer viable. “What we simply want to do is to totally strip down that building, including the entire roof—leaving only the carcass—then re-design and reconfigure it to build a brand-new airport that meets modern international standards.”
Keyamo assured Nigerians that the new terminal would be equipped with advanced facilities to handle increased traffic efficiently. Unlike previous projects funded by foreign loans, such as Terminal Two (constructed with Chinese financing under past administrations), this redevelopment will rely solely on domestic resources.
Expansion of Terminal Two and Infrastructure Upgrades
Beyond the reconstruction of Terminal One, the government has also approved upgrades for Terminal Two, the newer section of the airport. Keyamo stated that the expansion would include an enlarged apron to accommodate more aircraft, particularly wide-body planes. Additionally, two new ring roads—one for arrivals and another for departures—will be constructed to ease congestion.
A major design flaw in Terminal Two, which forces departing passengers to carry luggage up escalators, will also be addressed. “We are building a bridge that will take travellers directly to the upper floor of the departure lounge,” Keyamo said. “It is a design error we intend to correct.”
Smart Airport Solutions and Cost Justification
The minister highlighted that the redesigned airport would incorporate smart technology to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. “We have introduced smart solutions in the new designs to deliver an airport that can compete with any in the world,” he said.
Responding to concerns over the project’s cost, Keyamo urged Nigerians to research the expenses of recent airport constructions globally. “If you Google the cost of most modern airports built around the world in the last few years—including those in Africa, like Angola—you will agree that the Bureau of Public Procurement did a fantastic job in scrutinising and approving this cost.”
Public Monitoring and Underutilised Airports
To ensure transparency, Keyamo announced that the government would invite the media, civil society groups, lawmakers, and interested citizens to inspect the project at various stages. “It is part of our national heritage, and we should all be interested in the final outcome,” he said.
He also addressed the underutilisation of newer airports in Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, which currently operate at less than 30% capacity. Despite this, Lagos remains a priority due to its high traffic volume and economic significance.
Conclusion: A New Era for MMIA
Keyamo expressed confidence that the redevelopment would make Nigerians proud, delivering a world-class facility without resorting to foreign debt. A video detailing the proposed upgrades was also shared to provide further clarity.
As work progresses, the government’s commitment to modernising MMIA will be closely watched, with the promise of a transformed travel hub that aligns with global aviation standards.
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