The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled a comprehensive six-phase execution plan for the N712 billion upgrade of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. This pivotal project, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s busiest aviation gateway, has ignited both public scrutiny and widespread discussion about its scope and funding.
Rebuilding Terminal 1 from the Ground Up
The renovation focuses primarily on Terminal 1, originally commissioned in 1979. According to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the terminal will be stripped down to its bare structural frame (Wings D and E) and fully rebuilt with all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems replaced to meet modern international standards.
Expansion of Terminal 2 and Aircraft Apron
Terminal 2, initially funded with a Chinese loan and operational during President Tinubu’s first month in office, will undergo partial expansion. The project includes adding apron capacity to accommodate wide-body aircraft, optimizing boarding bridge layout, and relocating hangars within the construction footprint.
Construction of Independent Ring Roads
Two independent ring roads—one each for arrivals and departures—will be built to alleviate vehicular congestion and improve accessibility. These roads aim to streamline passenger traffic flow in and out of the terminals.
New Bridge and Skywalk Integration
A bridge will connect directly to the upper departure floor of Terminal 2, rectifying the current design that forces passengers to haul luggage up escalators. Additionally, a skywalk and connection building will seamlessly unify Terminals 1 and 2 and link the multi-level car park with T2.
Temporary Departure Hall for Uninterrupted Service
To maintain operations during construction, FAAN will establish a temporary departure hall designed to accommodate peak traffic volumes. This facility will include check-in counters, security checkpoints, lounges, and retail outlets to ensure comfort and functionality.
Redesign of Central Square and Landscaping
The central plaza in front of the terminals will be redesigned to enhance aesthetics and evoke national pride. The landscape makeover is expected to reflect a modern image of Nigeria to foreign visitors.
Reflecting on the scope, Keyamo stressed that the project is far more than superficial—it’s a full terminal rebuild designed to meet contemporary customs, safety, and passenger processing standards.
The Minister urged Nigerians to benchmark the cost against similar projects globally, such as Nigeria’s own underutilized terminals in Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, or modern African airports in Angola, Kigali, and Abidjan. At a rate of roughly N1,500 to $1, the project value of ₦712 bn equates to ~$475m, which he argues falls within global expectations.
This upgrade will be fully financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, generated from fuel subsidy removal savings—with no foreign loans involved.
Both the Ministry and FAAN have pledged proactive engagement with the public, inviting civil society, media, lawmakers, and citizens to regular site tours during the project’s estimated 22-month construction phase.
Capacity upgrade: Terminal 1, now handling over eight million passengers annually—far beyond its original design limit—is due for complete overhaul.
Passenger experience: Enhanced technology checkpoints, modern lounges, energy-efficient design, and integrated transport links aim to elevate MMIA into a West African aviation hub.
Strategic impact: A modern airport layout is expected to reduce insurance and operational risks for airlines, potentially boosting international traffic and investor confidence.