The Federal Executive Council has approved N712bn for the renovation of the old terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. This has since sparked widespread scrutiny and public debate. Despite repeated clarifications by the Minister, Festus Keyamo, Nigerians have continued to speak about the project amount, OLASUNKANMI AKINLOTAN and PRINCESS ETUK report

Amidst outcry from Nigerians and continuous explanations from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has waded into the conversation, explaining how the contentious N712bn redevelopment plan for Murtala Muhammed International Airport will be executed.

According to FAAN, the overhaul is designed to elevate Nigeria’s premier gateway to world-class standards and will be executed in six strategic phases.

FAAN further explained that the ambitious upgrade will transform MMIA into a state-of-the-art aviation hub, enhance passenger experience, and establish the facility as a top contender among leading airports in West Africa.

Firstly, FAAN noted that the project will first focus on the expansion and rehabilitation of Terminal 1.

The terminal, which is considered Nigeria’s busiest aerodrome, will undergo a full-scale renovation. This includes a modernised exterior, upgraded interior finishes, and overhauled plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.

The goal, FAAN stated, is to bring the terminal up to international standards in both functionality and aesthetics.

Expansion of Terminal 2

The custodian of the airport further said Terminal Two will be expanded to accommodate wide-body aircraft, with extensions planned for both the apron and the finger area (boarding bridge section). FAAN also disclosed that existing hangars located within the expansion zone will be relocated to facilitate smooth construction and operational efficiency.

Development of a new road network

A redesigned road network will be introduced to ease congestion and improve access to the airport. The planned layout aims to deliver a well-organised and efficient transport system, ensuring smoother movement for passengers and airport staff, FAAN revealed.

Construction of a skywalk and connection building

In a bid to unify the currently separate terminals, FAAN said a connection building will link Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, while a skywalk will integrate the multi-level car park with T2. These infrastructural links are expected to streamline passenger movement and boost operational synergy across the airport.

Temporary departure hall during renovation

To ensure uninterrupted service during the upgrade, FAAN will establish a temporary departure hall. This facility, according to the authority, will be clean, orderly, and comfortable, minimising disruptions for travellers during the construction phase.

Redesign of central square landscape

The central square positioned at the front of the terminals will be redesigned to offer a more welcoming and visually appealing experience for arriving passengers. The landscape makeover is also said to be intended to reflect national pride and project a modern image of Nigeria to visitors.

A vision for global standards

Speaking on the significance of the project, FAAN described it as more than a renovation, saying the project is “reimagining the future of Nigerian aviation.”

“We are not just rebuilding a terminal; we are elevating Nigeria’s aviation experience to global standards. The new T1 will deliver faster check-in, smarter security, brighter lounges, and better retail offerings built with the traveller in mind,” FAAN said in a statement on Monday.

The managers of the airport also said that the project is seen as a commitment to future-proofing the country’s aviation infrastructure and positioning Lagos as a central hub in West Africa.

“This is a solemn commitment to every traveller. The upgraded MMIA will not only meet but exceed the expectations of both local and international passengers,” it noted.

FAAN has, however, called for public understanding and support as the project progresses, noting that temporary inconveniences will pave the way for a vastly improved, world-class facility.

“We want every departure and return to be a moment of pride. MMIA is not just an air the face of a nation. This transformation will reflect that reality,” FAAN promises.

Speaking earlier, Keyamo explained that upgrading the old terminal became imminent, considering the increased passenger traffic and the dilapidated state of the airport infrastructure. The building, which was inaugurated in 1979, was built by the Olusegun Obasanjo-led military regime.

He added that the Federal Government was not borrowing to prosecute the project, but the excess money realised from the removal of the fuel subsidy under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund will be expended on the project.

Meanwhile, the Aviation Ministry has defended the N712bn MMIA terminal renovation, saying the criticism is based on misinformation and cynicism. It argues that the upgrade is necessary to modernise the ageing airport and align it with global standards.

The Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, challenged the criticism trailing the project, calling on Nigerians to adopt a more informed and constructive approach.

Moshood noted that, “When the news broke that the Federal Executive Council had approved N712bn for the complete renovation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos, the backlash came swiftly and loudly, mostly from the comfort zones of social media. Suddenly, everyone became an infrastructure economist, a seasoned aviation planner, or worse, a self-styled corruption watchdog.”

He added that the MMIA Terminal 1 was originally designed to handle less than a million passengers annually. Today, the terminal processes over eight million passengers, resulting in significant overuse and structural fatigue.

“The air conditioning system barely works, the conveyor belts are prone to breakdowns, and the aesthetics resemble a government office stuck in the 1980s,” Moshood notes.

With these conditions in mind, the FG’s renovation proposal includes a complete structural overhaul, not just cosmetic upgrades. Plans cover modern baggage systems, smart security technology, fire safety improvements, energy-efficient designs, ICT enhancements, new aerobridges, and full integration with multimodal transport systems.

“Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport expansion cost over $345 m. Angola’s new Luanda International Airport is projected to cost $3bn. Kigali International Airport in Rwanda is being rebuilt at a cost of $1.3bn. The new Abidjan airport terminal cost over $300 m,” Moshood added.

He points out that N712bn at an exchange rate of N1500 to $1 is approximately $475 m, which falls within global standards for such projects.

Moshood also defended the leadership of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, describing him as a reform-minded official who has already notched notable achievements.

He said, “Since assuming office, Keyamo has taken aviation reform head-on, from resolving longstanding Bilateral Air Services Agreement bottlenecks to improving Nigeria’s ICAO safety rating from 49 per cent to 75.5 per cent, and even leading Nigeria to comply with Cape Town Convention protocols.”

He added that Keyamo’s legal expertise has saved the country millions in consultancy fees and enabled swift execution of complex aviation agreements.

“Yet, because he’s not a pilot or a technical engineer, some feel justified in questioning his every move. But isn’t leadership about vision, coordination, and strategic thinking?”

Moshood criticised the culture of uninformed commentary on major infrastructure projects, describing it as a “cafeteria expert” syndrome.

He said, “One of the curious traits of the Nigerian commentary space is how everyone becomes an expert overnight, from those whose closest association with aviation might be running a kiosk near the tarmac.”

He urged Nigerians to replace cynicism with constructive criticism rooted in facts and engagemen“Criticism must be informed, balanced, and constructive. Not every initiative is a scam. Not every official is a thief.”

Reiterating the importance of the Lagos airport, Moshood termed the MMIA Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic gateway, asserting, “It is the first impression visitors, investors, and diplomats get of our country. A poor first impression leads to a poor perception of the country.

“The N712bn project is not just about renovating an old building; it’s about rewriting the Nigerian aviation story.”

He concluded by saying, “Do you want another cycle of mediocrity, where we spend little and get even less? Or do you want infrastructure that reflects our population, economic potential, and national pride? The choice is ours.”