FIC Report (Lagos State) – The Federal Government has announced plans to completely reconstruct the old terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, aiming to elevate the facility to meet modern international standards.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, acknowledged that while recent improvements have been made, Nigeria’s airports, including MMIA, still fall short of global benchmarks. He emphasized the need for comprehensive upgrades to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Originally designed in 1977 to accommodate 200,000 passengers annually, the old MMIA terminal now handles approximately 3 million passengers each year. Nationwide, Nigeria’s airports serve about 15 million passengers annually, placing significant strain on existing infrastructure.
The proposed reconstruction aims to increase the terminal’s capacity to handle up to 20 million passengers annually. This initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda to modernize the nation’s aviation sector. Detailed plans for the project are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
In recent years, MMIA has seen notable enhancements, including the commissioning of a new Terminal 2 in March 2023. This modern facility boasts 60 check-in counters, 16 departure desks, 28 arrival desks, five baggage claim belts, eight security screening points, and seven passenger boarding bridges, with a processing capacity of 14 million passengers per year. Additional amenities include a 22-room hotel, premium lounges, a prayer area, and free Wi-Fi.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has initiated several rehabilitation projects to address wear and tear in the older terminal. A $38 million refurbishment project aims to modernize existing facilities while maintaining airport operations during construction.
The planned overhaul of MMIA’s old terminal signifies a significant step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, aligning it with international standards, and improving the overall travel experience for passengers.
Signed
Gloria Dawodu
CIO
