The Federal Government says the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos will be transformed into a world-class aviation hub with a N712.3 billion upgrade set to be completed in two years.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, gave details of the approved project over the weekend.
The upgrade, fully funded from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, will cover a complete overhaul of Terminal 1 and an expansion of Terminal 2.
According to the government, MMIA, which currently handles 67 percent of Nigeria’s air passengers, will become the main gateway to West Africa once the project is completed.
Kuku said, “This project is future-focused and will touch every important part of the airport’s infrastructure. Terminal 1 will be completely rebuilt to meet global standards, while Terminal 2 will be expanded to take more wide-body aircraft.”
She added that the apron, hangar, car parks, roads, and international wing will also be upgraded. “We will create new roads to ease vehicle traffic, a skywalk to link the car park with Terminal 2, and a building to connect Terminals 1 and 2.”
A temporary departure hall will be built to reduce discomfort to passengers during the construction. Kuku also said the entire landscape in front of the terminal will be redesigned to give arriving passengers a better first impression of Nigeria.
“This is not just a renovation. It is about creating a better travel experience with faster check-in, smarter security checks, and more welcoming spaces. It is a commitment to all travellers who pass through this airport,” she said.
Keyamo defended the project cost, asking critics to compare it with similar projects globally.
“I encourage our compatriots to simply Google the cost of most modern airports built around the world in the last few years, including those in Africa like Angola,” he said. “The BPP did a fantastic job scrutinising and approving this project. Terminal 1 has suffered years of neglect. It is now totally decrepit.”
The minister stressed that the project is not being funded by loans. “It will be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, one of the direct gains from subsidy removal.”
He also said a new bridge will be built to connect the upper floor of the departure area directly, correcting past design flaws.
To ensure accountability, Keyamo said there will be regular facility tours for journalists, civil society, and lawmakers. He explained that while Lagos needs urgent upgrades due to high traffic, other airports like Kano and Port Harcourt are still underutilised.
“The era of patchwork is over,” he said. “We want the best facilities at MMIA in line with international standards. This upgrade will allow Nigerian airlines to compete better on intercontinental routes.”
He also said discussions are ongoing with private investors for airport concessions and hinted at a future connection of the Lagos Red Line rail to the airport.
But some groups have questioned the decision to spend such a large sum on a functional airport. The African Democratic Congress said, “It is hard to understand how renovating an already working airport with N712 billion makes sense when public universities are suffering, healthcare is out of reach for many, and millions are struggling with poverty.”
Despite the backlash, the government insists the upgrade is a major step toward improving Nigeria’s aviation sector and boosting its international image.
