The Federal Executive Council on Thursday approved N712 billion for the complete rehabilitation, upgrade, and modernisation of International Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

This forms the largest component of a broader N900 billion aviation infrastructure plan for the country.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision while briefing reporters after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Keyamo said the contract, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, involves stripping the terminal to its structural frame and rebuilding it with modern mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

The project, to be completed within 22 months, will be fully financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

Keyamo said, “We have decided to strip it down to only the carcass and then do the complete M&E again.”

He stressed that the administration is shifting away from patchwork repairs to a comprehensive overhaul of critical aviation infrastructure.

The FEC also approved the expansion of Terminal Two, which includes the construction of a new apron, access roads, bridges, and associated infrastructure.

Combined with the Terminal One project, the total cost of the Lagos airport works stands at N712.26 billion—one of the most substantial single investments in Nigeria’s aviation sector in recent years.

To bolster security at the Lagos airport, the council approved a N49.9 billion perimeter fencing project.

The 14.6-kilometre metal fence will be equipped with an intrusion detection system, CCTV cameras, solar-powered floodlights, and a dedicated patrol road.

The minister added that the security upgrade will feature a modern command centre capable of monitoring and detecting real-time movement around the fence.

“Anyone or anything close to the fence will be detected immediately, and the location pinpointed,” he said.

Keyamo said, “The council also approved greenlit upgrades at other key airports across the country.

“At Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, FEC approved N46.39 billion for the rehabilitation of both runways and taxiways, along with an upgrade of the airfield lighting to Category Two (CAT 2) standards.

“The 24-week project is expected to significantly improve operational safety and reduce weather-related flight disruptions.”