The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that the Federal Government’s decision to allocate N712 billion for the renovation of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos is driven by the urgent need to replace its decaying infrastructure, expand capacity, and align the nation’s busiest airport with modern global standards. Speaking on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Keyamo explained that the project, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, will see Terminal One, commissioned in 1979 and now structurally decrepit, stripped down to its core and rebuilt with state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. He emphasized that the airport’s overwhelming passenger traffic and years of neglect necessitate this overhaul, with plans to enhance security, construct new ring roads, and introduce smart technology to compete globally.
The renovation, set to take 22 months and funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund without loans, also includes expanding Terminal Two and building a new bridge to improve access. Keyamo highlighted the project’s transparency, promising regular site tours for journalists and lawmakers to monitor progress. While the move addresses long-standing complaints about the airport’s condition, often described as outdated by travelers, the significant cost has sparked debate, with some questioning whether the focus on Lagos reflects regional bias, though Keyamo defends it as a critical step to modernize Nigeria’s aviation gateway.
