The Federal Government has unveiled fresh details of a N712.26 billion upgrade plan for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, positioning it as the centerpiece of a broader national aviation infrastructure investment.
According to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the project will involve the complete reconstruction of the airport’s aging Terminal One, built in 1979, along with major expansions to accommodate rising passenger and aircraft traffic.
Keyamo, who disclosed the plans via his official X account on Sunday, said Terminal One, which houses Wings D and E — will be stripped down to its structural frame and rebuilt into a modern facility that meets international standards.
Years of neglect and overcapacity have rendered the terminal inadequate for current demands.
The project, which forms part of the N987 billion nationwide airport development package recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, includes the expansion of the newer Terminal Two, enlargement of the apron to accommodate wide-body aircraft, and construction of a new bridge for direct upper-level passenger access to the departure lounge.
Additionally, two dedicated ring roads will be built to streamline arrivals and departures, improving overall traffic flow and accessibility.
Lagos received the largest allocation in the FEC-approved package, underlining its strategic role as Nigeria’s main international aviation hub.
“To further enunciate our plans for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMI) in Lagos, let me further clarify the approval we secured from the Federal Executive Council Meeting last week. 1.
“There are two international terminals in Lagos. Terminal One is that old building directly facing the long stretch of road leading to the airport built & commissioned in 1979 by the Obasanjo-led Military regime. It has two wings known as WING D and WING E,” Keyamo’s post read in part.
It further read, “Due to years of neglect & because the traffic over time quadrupled beyond its capacity, the building & facilities at Terminal One became totally decrepit. We have been engaged in some patch jobs over the years just to make it a bit presentable. Now, shorn of all the rhetoric, what we simply want to do is to totally strip down that building, including the entire roof (leaving only the carcass), then re-design/reconfigure it & build a brand-new airport for the nation to meet modern, international standards that can also cater for the increased traffic. Both wings D and E would be affected.”
Keyamo stated that the upgrade will incorporate smart technology aimed at transforming MMIA into a fully modern smart airport.
He emphasized that the project will be entirely funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund—an initiative backed by savings from the removal of fuel subsidies—without reliance on external loans.
To ensure transparency and public oversight, the Minister added that journalists, civil society groups, lawmakers, and other stakeholders will be invited for periodic site tours throughout the 22-month construction timeline.
