The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive ₦920 billion upgrade for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, along with six other critical aviation infrastructure projects across the country. This move comes as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which is now focused on modernising the aviation sector.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development to journalists on Thursday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja.
Describing the approvals as a “landmark intervention,” Keyamo said the upgrades will overhaul outdated airport facilities and significantly improve safety and efficiency in the aviation sector.
“Today, aviation got the attention of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund. Mr. President has approved a massive infrastructural upgrade for airports across Nigeria,” Keyamo said.
Major Highlights:
Lagos Airport Terminal Rebuild – ₦712.26bn
The MMIA Terminal One in Lagos will undergo a total demolition and reconstruction. Unlike previous piecemeal renovations, the rebuild will address mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to deliver a fully modern airport terminal.
Construction giant CCECC, which built Terminal Two, will also handle this redevelopment. Terminal Two will also receive upgrades, including apron expansion, improved access roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, with a completion target of 22 months.
Runway and Lighting Upgrades
Several airports will undergo major runway rehabilitations and lighting upgrades to CAT-2 standards, enabling safe landings in poor visibility:
- Kano Airport (Runways 06/24 & 05/23, taxiways, CAT-2 airfield lighting):
₦46.39bn | 24 weeks - Port Harcourt Airport (Runway 03/21 & taxiway, CAT-2 lighting):
₦42.14bn - Lagos Airport (Runway 18L/36R, taxiways B & C, CAT-2 LED lighting):
₦44.13bn | 30 weeks
Lagos Airport Perimeter Security Fence – ₦49.9bn
A 14.6-kilometre security fence will be installed around Lagos Airport, complete with an operational road, CCTV surveillance, motion detection systems, and solar-powered floodlights. Keyamo said the move is necessary to tackle repeated intrusions from unsecured areas. The project is expected to be delivered within 24 months.
Apron Expansion – ₦24.27bn
The aprons at Lagos domestic terminal will be reconstructed and expanded with rigid pavement to provide additional aircraft parking. The project covers a total area of over 82,000 square meters in three phases and will last 17½ months.
Enugu Airport Concession
The FEC also approved the 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to the Aero Alliance Consortium. The concession, which includes the completion of an unfinished cargo terminal, aims to enhance profitability and reduce the operational burden on the federal government.
Keyamo assured that the process would be transparent, and that labour unions would remain actively involved.
“Our smaller airports are unprofitable. With this concession, private operators will take over, invest, and manage them efficiently,” he added.
Conclusion
Keyamo described the ₦920bn aviation overhaul as a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s airports to meet international safety, security, and service standards.
“This is a major step forward. With these projects, Nigeria’s airports will be safer, more efficient, and globally competitive,” he concluded.
