FG Unveils N712 Billion Plan to Rebuild Lagos Airport Terminal
The Federal Government has unveiled a major plan to completely rebuild the old international terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. This initiative, valued at N712.26 billion, is part of a wider N900 billion infrastructure upgrade across Nigeria's aviation sector.
Project Scope and Vision
Total Overhaul: Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, clarified that the project is not a simple renovation. The plan is to "totally strip down" the old Terminal One—leaving only the structural core—and rebuild a brand-new, modern airport terminal. This represents a significant shift from previous short-term repairs.
Terminal Expansion: The Federal Executive Council (FEC) also approved the expansion of the newer Terminal Two, including enlarging the aircraft apron to accommodate more wide-body aircraft.
Infrastructure Upgrades: The project includes several key improvements to address long-standing issues:
Construction of two new, independent ring roads for departures and arrivals to alleviate traffic congestion.
Building a new bridge to connect passengers directly to Terminal Two's departure lounge, correcting a major design flaw.
A 14.6-kilometer metal perimeter fence with an intrusion detection system, CCTV cameras, and solar-powered floodlights to enhance security.
Upgrading airfield lighting on both runways and taxiways to a Category Two (CAT 2) LED system to improve safety and reduce weather-related flight delays.
Increased Capacity: The old terminal, built in 1977 for just 200,000 passengers annually, now handles roughly 3 million. The new plan aims to increase the terminal's capacity to up to 20 million passengers per year, positioning it as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
Funding, Cost, and Timeline
Cost: The total cost for the Lagos airport works is N712.26 billion (approximately $447 million). This figure covers the rebuilding of Terminal One, the expansion of Terminal Two, and other infrastructure upgrades.
Funding: The project will be funded entirely through the "Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund," which is being financed by savings from the removal of the fuel subsidy. The government has stressed that no external loans will be used.
Timeline: The reconstruction of Terminal One is scheduled for completion within 22 months. Other projects, such as the airfield lighting upgrade, have their own separate timelines. The contract has been awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Public and Political Reactions
While the government has presented the project as a major step forward, it has faced criticism. Opposition groups and critics have called the N712 billion price tag "outrageous" and a "brazen act of fiscal recklessness." They argue that the expenditure is a "misplaced priority" given Nigeria's urgent needs in public services like education and healthcare. The government has defended the cost, stating that it represents a comprehensive, long-term solution.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
