The Federal Government has approved a massive ₦920 billion for the rebuilding of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the execution of six other aviation infrastructure projects across the country.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this while briefing journalists after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, the funding is part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund set up by President Bola Tinubu to address critical national infrastructure needs.
“Today, it was the turn of aviation to get the kind attention of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, and we are very grateful. Mr. President decided to turn his attention to aviation for massive infrastructural upgrades across the country,” Keyamo said.
He revealed that Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos will be completely stripped and rebuilt, with a new design and modern systems replacing the current aging infrastructure.
“The old Lagos airport you see there will be stripped down to the carcass and rebuilt. We are going to redo the mechanical, electrical, plumbing — everything — to deliver a brand-new airport,” he explained.
The reconstruction of the Lagos terminal and other associated works has been awarded to CCECC at a total cost of ₦712.26 billion, with a completion timeline of 22 months. Terminal Two, which was built by the same company, will also be upgraded with apron expansion, improved access roads, bridges, and other supporting infrastructure.
Further approvals under the same fund include:
Malam Aminu Kano International Airport: Rehabilitation of runways 06/24 and 05/23, upgrade of taxiways, and airfield lighting to CAT-2 standards. The project is valued at ₦46.39 billion with a 24-week completion period.
Port Harcourt International Airport: Rehabilitation of runway 03/21 and taxiway, installation of CAT-2 lighting, estimated at ₦42.14 billion.
Lagos Airport Runway 18L/36R: Upgrade of taxiways B and C, installation of CAT-2 LED lighting, all costing ₦44.13 billion and set to be completed in 30 weeks.
Also approved is the construction of a 14.6-kilometre perimeter security fence around the Lagos airport. The project will include a patrol road, CCTV cameras, motion sensors, and solar-powered floodlights, all aimed at improving airport security. It is expected to be delivered in 24 months at a cost of ₦49.9 billion.
“There have been so many intrusions into airports from unmanned areas. We are bringing in sophisticated fence and equipment — the kind you see in very modern airports — with a command centre to detect anything moving along the fence line,” the minister explained.
In addition, the domestic wing of the Lagos airport will see a complete conversion of its aprons to rigid pavement. The project will be carried out in three phases, covering a total of over 82,000 square meters. The job is expected to last 17 and a half months at a cost of ₦24.27 billion.
Keyamo also announced that the FEC granted full business case approval for the 30-year concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to the Aero Alliance Consortium, following an unsolicited proposal. The plan includes completing the cargo terminal and repositioning the airport for profitability.
“Most of our smaller airports are run at a loss. Profits from Kano, Lagos, and Abuja keep them alive. The plan has always been to concession some airports to private operators who can develop and run them profitably,” Keyamo said.
He stressed that labour unions will be carried along in the process to ensure transparency.
“I am not someone who ignores the unions. From the start, I directed that the unions must be part of the committee. The details will be finalised and made public at the right time,” he added.
With these sweeping decisions, Keyamo said Tinubu’s administration is poised to transform Nigeria’s aviation industry and bring airport infrastructure up to international safety and service standards.
“This is happy news for the aviation sector. Mr. President has now turned his attention to aviation, and with these projects, we will deliver modern, safer, and more efficient airports across the country,” he said.
