Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has responded to public concerns surrounding the federal government’s planned ₦712 billion upgrade of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, calling it a total overhaul and not a simple facelift.
In a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, August 3, Keyamo stressed that the project would deliver a modern airport capable of meeting global standards, with the funds sourced locally.
“There are two international terminals in Lagos,” he said, noting that Terminal One had become “totally decrepit” after years of neglect.
“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.”
He explained that both wings of Terminal One would be affected, while the newer Terminal Two would be expanded to accommodate more aircraft, including wide-body jets.
The plan also includes fixing what he called a “design error” by constructing new ring roads and a bridge to enable travellers access the upper floor of Terminal Two’s departure lounge without lifting luggage on escalators.
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“Smart solutions have been introduced to the new designs in order to deliver a smart airport to Nigerians that can compete with any airport in the world,” he said.
Keyamo was clear that no loans would be taken for the project. “This will not be done by a loan from anywhere, but by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which is one of the gains made from the removal of subsidies,” he stated.
He pledged transparency, promising regular updates and site tours for journalists, civil society, lawmakers, and concerned Nigerians.
“It is part of our national heritage and we should all rightly be interested in the final outcome,” he added.
He concluded by defending the cost, saying, “The Bureau for Public Procurement that scrutinised and fixed the final cost of this project did a fantastic job for the nation.”
A video breakdown of the proposed works was also shared as part of the announcement.