The much-anticipated refurbishment of Murtala Muhammed Airport’s Terminal 1, valued at N712 billion, is facing potential delays of up to three months following the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) decision to construct a temporary terminal.
The temporary structure aims to accommodate airline front desk officers, airport staff, and passengers while the old terminal undergoes extensive renovation.
FAAN communicated its plan to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), explaining that operations will continue in the old terminal until the makeshift facility is fully ready.
Only then will the demolition and renovation of the existing terminal commence. A source close to the discussions between FAAN and AON revealed,
“They plan to build the temporary structure near the new terminal.
Airlines will continue operations from the old terminal until the temporary structure is ready, after which the old terminal will be dismantled.
The construction of this temporary facility is expected to take three months.”
FAAN’s spokesperson, Orah Obiageli, confirmed the move, stressing that arrangements were being made to ensure uninterrupted service for passengers and airport workers.
She stated, “We are putting arrangements in place to provide a temporary station for all airport users. Work will commence once all plans are finalised.”
The renovation project, allocated N712 billion, covers the E and D wings of the old Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal.
The plan has generated public debate due to the high cost, with many questioning the justification for such a substantial allocation.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, defended the expenditure, noting that the project is necessary to replace decaying infrastructure, expand capacity, and bring Nigeria’s busiest airport in line with international standards.
Originally, the project was scheduled for completion within 22 months, with a projected finish date of May 2027.
However, the addition of a three-month timeline for the temporary terminal means that completion may be further delayed.
An industry source indicated that even without this new plan, finishing by May 2027 was ambitious.
“Even if work had begun in August as initially planned, completion by May 2027 would have been challenging,” the source noted.
Experts argue that FAAN’s decision to implement a temporary terminal reflects both a commitment to operational continuity and a response to logistical challenges inherent in large-scale airport refurbishments.
While the temporary structure will mitigate operational disruptions, it inevitably adds to the timeline and overall complexity of the project.
Aviation analysts note that airport modernization is crucial not only for passenger convenience but also for economic growth.
Murtala Muhammed Airport serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights, and its facilities must meet global aviation standards to attract more airlines and boost Nigeria’s air transport sector.
Delays, therefore, have implications for both commercial activities and Nigeria’s image as a regional aviation leader.
Public reactions have been mixed, with some praising FAAN’s foresight in planning for continuity of operations, while others question the efficiency and financial prudence of the temporary terminal plan.
Industry stakeholders stress that rigorous project management and transparent oversight will be critical to ensure that the N712 billion investment translates into tangible improvements in airport infrastructure.
FAAN officials have reiterated their commitment to completing the refurbishment while minimising inconvenience to passengers.
The temporary terminal is expected to serve as a bridge to uninterrupted operations, allowing for the safe dismantling and reconstruction of Terminal 1.
As Nigeria continues to modernize its aviation infrastructure, projects like the Murtala Muhammed Airport refurbishment remain vital benchmarks for operational efficiency, economic growth, and global competitiveness in the air transport sector.
Stakeholders await further updates from FAAN regarding the timeline for the temporary terminal and the resumption of major renovation work.
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