President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦712.3 billion for the complete overhaul of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos — the biggest aviation infrastructure investment in Nigeria’s recent history.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
“This is not cosmetic work,” Keyamo said. “We’re taking the terminal down to its carcass and rebuilding it entirely — mechanical, electrical, plumbing — the works.”
The contract has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the same firm behind Terminal 2. The project includes apron expansion, construction of access roads and bridges, and is expected to be completed in 22 months.
Major Expansion, Modern Facilities
In addition to the terminal rebuild, the domestic wing apron will be expanded over 82,000 square metres in three phases, at a cost of ₦24.3 billion. This is aimed at accommodating more aircraft and improving efficiency.
Upgrades are also planned for runways and lighting systems in Lagos, Port Harcourt (₦42.1 billion), and Kano (₦46.3 billion), enabling Category II Instrument Landing Systems (CAT II) to support operations in low visibility conditions, especially during Harmattan.
Aviation experts have hailed the move as long overdue.
“This is a significant shift,” said aviation analyst Olumide Olayinka. “For the first time, we’re seeing bold action, not just policy talk.”
Enugu Airport Concession Kicks Off
The FEC also approved a 30-year concession for the Akano Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, following an unsolicited proposal from Aero Alliance Consortium. The deal covers both the passenger terminal and the abandoned cargo terminal.
Keyamo described the concession as part of a new model to bring in private capital for underperforming airports, moving away from a model where profits from Lagos, Abuja, and Kano subsidise smaller airports.
“This approach makes long-term sense,” said Dr. Joy Chika, an aviation governance expert. “But it must be handled transparently, with clear terms and public accountability.”
Keyamo stressed that unions were carried along, and promised full disclosure of all parties involved.
₦49.9bn Perimeter Surveillance for MMIA
Also approved was a ₦49.9 billion perimeter security project for MMIA to curb runway incursions and wildlife hazards. The project will include a 14.6km metal fence, solar floodlights, CCTV, and motion detection linked to a command centre.
“We’ve had too many near misses — planes hitting animals or people straying onto the runway,” Keyamo noted. “This system will detect and alert instantly.”
Experts say the security system aligns MMIA with international safety standards and will reduce human patrol needs.
Experts Reflect on a Sector Reboot
Industry professionals have largely welcomed the announcements as a major step toward transforming Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
“This is not just an airport facelift,” said Prof. Musa Ibrahim, a transport economist. “It’s an economic decision. A well-run airport boosts tourism, trade, jobs, and investor trust.”
As the projects move into execution, expectations are high. For the first time in years, stakeholders believe Nigeria’s aviation industry may finally be gaining altitude.
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