The Lagos State Government has dismissed claims of legal challenges hindering the construction of the Lekki International Airport, emphasizing its readiness to commence the long-anticipated project.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, stated that all required approvals and documents had been submitted to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and that there were no legal encumbrances delaying the airport’s development.
The Federal Government granted approval for the Lekki International Airport on October 10, 2022.
The facility is expected to serve five million passengers annually, catering to the growing needs of residents in Lekki, Ajah, Epe, and surrounding areas.
At the time, then-Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, praised Lagos’ cosmopolitan status, affirming the state’s qualification to host such a project.
However, reports surfaced in October 2024 suggesting potential legal hurdles due to an agreement involving Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, which operates the Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal. This raised concerns over possible violations of existing contracts.
In a recent interview, Omotoso clarified that no litigation or legal complications were delaying the airport’s construction.
“I am not aware of any legal obstacles. The Federal Government has granted approval, and we have signed all necessary documents with the federal airport authority. There are no legal encumbrances.”
The commissioner further assured that the project remains a top priority for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has committed to its completion before the end of his tenure.
The Lekki International Airport is being developed under a public-private partnership model.
Omotoso explained that private investors would provide the funding necessary for the project, alleviating financial pressure on the state government.
“We are not going to finance it from our balance sheet. It is something that will be done through public-private partnerships. It is not something that one can fix the completion at a particular time. You still have to raise the funding. Already, the site has been identified around the Aiyetoro region. The project is on, and it is not something we should worry about.”
Although the project received approval over two years ago, its construction has yet to begin.
Earlier this year, Omotoso confirmed that the airport was a key component of Lagos’ ambitious N2.2 trillion budget for 2024.
