The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced fresh details regarding its ambitious ₦712.26 billion upgrade of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, with the focus on rebuilding Terminal One, expanding the aircraft apron, and constructing a new bridge to improve passenger access.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, shared the update on Sunday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, explaining the breakdown of the funding and the structural scope of the project.
This comes shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a total of ₦987 billion for airport infrastructure across the country, with Lagos receiving the largest allocation.
According to Keyamo, Terminal One, which was originally built in 1979 and houses Wings D and E, will be completely dismantled, leaving only the structural frame (or carcass). The facility will then be reconstructed into a state-of-the-art terminal that aligns with global aviation standards.
“We’ve carried out several patch jobs over the years just to keep the terminal operational, but it’s no longer sustainable,” Keyamo wrote.
“We’re now moving forward with a total reconfiguration that will make the airport globally competitive.”
In addition to rebuilding Terminal One, the newer Terminal Two will be expanded. The aircraft apron, the area where planes are parked and serviced will also be enlarged to accommodate wide-body aircraft, increasing operational capacity.
New Bridge, Roads, and Passenger Experience
A major feature of the renovation will be the construction of a new bridge, which will provide direct access from the roadway to the upper departure floor. This aims to ease vehicular and pedestrian congestion.
Two dedicated ring roads for arrivals and departures will also be introduced to improve traffic flow into and out of the terminal.
Keyamo emphasized that the MMIA project will incorporate smart technologies, transforming it into a modern smart airport, designed to meet increasing demand and global operational standards.
The entire project will be funded internally, using allocations from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which is financed through savings from fuel subsidy removal. Keyamo confirmed no external loans would be involved in the project.
To promote transparency and public accountability, members of the media, civil society, and the National Assembly will be invited for site inspections throughout the 22-month construction period.
Why MMIA Was Prioritized
While airports in Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt have seen lower passenger volumes and currently underutilized terminals, MMIA remains the country’s busiest international airport, making it a top priority for infrastructural upgrade.
“The traffic at Lagos airport has quadrupled beyond capacity over the years. Rebuilding Terminal One is no longer optional, it’s a necessity,” the minister added.
This massive overhaul is expected to reshape Nigeria’s aviation landscape, reinforcing Lagos’ position as a critical aviation hub in West Africa and beyond.
