In a recent interview, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, shed light on the government’s bold N712 billion plan to overhaul Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
The minister detailed a complete teardown and reconstruction of the old terminal, along with significant expansions and upgrades to the newer one, all with the goal of transforming Lagos into a competitive aviation hub for Africa.
According to Keyamo, the project is a direct result of President Bola Tinubu’s vision to modernize Nigeria’s infrastructure, funded by savings from the recent removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
He highlighted the airport’s current state as “decrepit,” citing leaking roofs, non-functional carousels, and a general lack of maintenance that has plagued the facility for years.
“If you pass through the old terminal, built in 1979…are you proud of that airport?” Keyamo asked, painting a vivid picture of the dilapidated state of the facility. “You see people even selling Indomie as you are coming in…old tires on the ground…collapsing ceilings.”
From Decades of Neglect to a Modern Hub
The minister explained that the current airport design is fundamentally flawed and has stunted the growth of aviation in Nigeria. Unlike major international hubs in cities like Cairo, Casablanca, or Addis Ababa, Lagos lacks the infrastructure to allow for seamless passenger transfers between terminals.
This means a passenger flying into Lagos from another part of Africa cannot connect to an international flight without first going through the full immigration process, a significant barrier to establishing a proper hub.
The N712 billion project, which is not a mere refurbishment but a complete redesign, aims to fix these issues.
Keyamo stated that Terminal 1 will be “torn down,” with only the pillars remaining. The entire structure, from the floors to the ceilings, will be rebuilt to modern standards.
He also addressed the new terminal (Terminal 2), which, despite being commissioned by the previous administration, has been largely non-functional due to what he called “design errors.”
The new plan includes expanding the apron to accommodate wide-body aircraft and building a bridge that will take passengers directly to the departure hall on the second floor, resolving the current logistical challenge of having only one entrance.
A New Era of Connectivity
Keyamo said the project’s timeline is aggressive, with a target completion date of 22 months. The new facility, once operational, will be a “smart airport” featuring modern security and passenger processing technologies.
A key feature of the redesign is the creation of a proper transit hub. Passengers will be able to connect to other international flights without needing a Nigerian visa, a significant change that will position Lagos as a more attractive transit point.
The new design will also reduce human interface at security checkpoints by introducing a single-stop security check system where all agencies, such as NDLEA, DSS, and immigration, can screen passengers using modern machinery.
Funding and Sustainability
The minister clarified that the project is being funded through a special infrastructure fund, not the regular budgetary capital.
He anticipates a return on investment within three years from the Lagos airport alone. These earnings, he noted, will then be used to support other non-viable airports across the country.
The new terminal is also designed with sustainability in mind, with a dedicated solar field planned to power the building.
This move aims to address a long-standing issue with the current infrastructure where parts for crucial systems like air conditioning and lifts are no longer available on the market.
As for the broader aviation ecosystem, Keyamo confirmed that the government is moving toward a concession model for managing airports, following a global trend where governments are divesting from airport operations.
This, he says, ensures that professionals, not government bureaucrats, run the facilities efficiently.
The minister also briefly touched on the topic of a national carrier, stating that the government is open to new models that do not involve direct government funding but leverage the name and heritage of a national airline through private partnerships, similar to models seen in other countries.
He expressed his optimism for the future, stating that the new airport will not only serve the country’s needs for the next two decades but also empower local airlines to expand their international routes.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen