Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo Announces the Renovation of Murtala Muhammed Airport with ₦712 Billion

Amid soaring prices and nationwide hardship, the Tinubu-led government has approved a ₦712 billion renovation of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos – Terminal One.

The 22‑month project, to be handled by CCECC, will completely rebuild the old terminal “down to its carcass” even as many Nigerians struggle with hunger and rising living costs.

The Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport – Terminal One is set to undergo a full rehabilitation and modernisation costing ₦712 billion, with the project scheduled to last 22 months, according to Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Speaking to newsmen after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Thursday, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Keyamo confirmed that the project will see Terminal One stripped down to its structural carcass before receiving new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

“We have decided to strip it down to only the carcass and then do the complete M&E again,” he said.

The ₦712 billion contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and will be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. Keyamo emphasized that the administration is moving away from “patchwork repairs” in favor of comprehensive upgrades that will position Lagos as a true aviation hub.

Security and Expansion Plans

Alongside the terminal overhaul, the FEC approved ₦49.9 billion for a 14.6-kilometre perimeter security fence with intrusion detection systems, CCTV cameras, solar floodlights, and a modern command centre.

“Anyone or anything close to the fence will be detected immediately, and the location pinpointed,” Keyamo stated.

Additionally, Terminal Two will be expanded, with new aprons, access roads, and bridges to ease traffic flow. The combined Lagos projects mark one of the biggest single investments in Nigeria’s aviation sector in recent history.

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Nationwide Aviation Upgrades

Keyamo also revealed other approvals under the ₦900 billion aviation plan:

• Malam Aminu Kano International Airport – ₦46.39 billion for runway and taxiway rehabilitation, with airfield lighting upgraded to Category 2 (CAT 2).
• Port Harcourt International Airport – ₦42.14 billion for runway and taxiway rehabilitation with CAT 2 lighting.
• Lagos Airport (Runways 18L/36R and Taxiways B & C) – ₦44.13 billion for CAT 2 LED lighting with a 30-week completion period.
• Domestic Wing Apron Expansion – ₦24.27 billion to add 82,000 square meters of aircraft parking space.

Keyamo further confirmed that FEC approved the 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to a private consortium as part of the administration’s push to unlock commercial potential and reduce government financial burdens.

“Most of the smaller airports, apart from the major ones, are running at a loss,” he explained. “The profits we make from Kano, Lagos, and Abuja often go into keeping these others alive.”

The ₦712 billion Lagos terminal renovation is expected to modernize Nigeria’s busiest airport, improve passenger experience, and boost the country’s aviation infrastructure to global standards.