Abuja – (South South Digest)
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The Federal Government has approved a total of N920 billion for the comprehensive overhaul of Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and six other key aviation projects. This landmark funding, announced as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Funding, aims to modernize Nigeria’s critical airport infrastructure.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the approval to journalists following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Thursday. He described the move as a “landmark intervention,” noting President Tinubu’s commitment to massive infrastructural upgrades in the aviation sector.
The largest portion of the funding, N712.26 billion, is allocated to the complete reconstruction of MMIA’s Terminal One in Lagos. Keyamo stated that the terminal will be “stripped down to the carcass and rebuilt,” with all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems replaced to create a brand-new facility.
Other approved projects under the funding include:
MMIA Runway and Taxiway Rehabilitation: N44.13 billion for the rehabilitation of runway 18 Left/36 Right, taxiways, and the upgrade of airfield lighting to CAT-2 LED standards, with a completion timeline of 30 weeks.
Kano Airport Upgrades: N46.39 billion for the rehabilitation of two runways, taxiway works, and an upgrade of the airfield ground lighting system to CAT-2 at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport. The project is expected to be completed in 24 weeks.
Port Harcourt Airport Rehabilitation: N2.14 billion for the rehabilitation of runway 03/21 and taxiway, including the installation of a CAT-2 lighting system.
Lagos Airport Security Fence: N49.90 billion for the construction of a 14.6-kilometer security metal fence around the Lagos airport, featuring CCTV cameras, intruder detection systems, and solar-powered floodlighting. This project has a 24-month timeline.
Lagos Domestic Apron Reconstruction: N24.27 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of aprons at the domestic wing of Lagos Airport to provide more parking space for aircraft.
Additionally, Minister Keyamo announced that the FEC has approved the full business case for a 30-year concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The concession, which includes the uncompleted cargo terminal, was proposed by the Aero Alliance Consortium. Keyamo emphasized that this move is aimed at making smaller, often unprofitable airports self-sustaining through private sector management. He assured that the concession process would be transparent and involve union representatives.
“This is happy news for the aviation sector,” Keyamo concluded, highlighting that these projects are expected to deliver modern, safer, and more efficient airports across Nigeria, bringing them up to global safety and security standards.
