Sade Williams/Business a.m.
Details of an upgrade plan to remodel and transform Nigeria’s leading and busiest airport, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), to a world-class facility have been unveiled by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
With N712, 26 billion, an amount approved last week by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the complete renovation, upgrade, and remodelling of the airport, along with major rehabilitation projects in other airports across the country, the upgrade is expected to see the complete overhaul of International Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), alongside expansion works on Terminal Two.
Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of the FAAN disclosed that six key areas of developments would be covered by the upgrade of the MMIA.
She named the first as the rehabilitation and expansion of Terminal 1 (T1), and said: “As our busiest terminal nationwide, T1 will undergo extensive rehabilitation. This includes upgrading the exterior façade, interior finishes, plumbing systems, and mechanical and electrical installations to meet international standards.”
The second, she said, is the expansion of Terminal 2 (T2), adding, “T2 will be expanded to accommodate more wide-body aircraft. This includes the extension of both the finger (boarding bridge area) and apron to enhance aircraft handling capacity. And existing hangars in the expansion zone will be relocated to allow for seamless execution of this project.”
A third aspect of the upgrade will involve a new road network, for which Kuku explained thus: “A modern, well-organised, and efficient road network will be developed to improve access to the airport, easing congestion and enhancing the overall travelling experience.”
Also, the fourth area of the development will cover a connection building and a skywalk, for which she said: “A Skywalk will be constructed to integrate the car park building with T2, and a connection building will be established to link T1 and T2. These infrastructures will transform the previously independent terminal buildings into a unified complex, improving passenger flow and airport management.”
A fifth aspect of the upgrade is the establishment of a temporary departure hall during the rehabilitation phase. Kuku assured that this temporary facility will be well-organised, clean, and comfortable to ensure convenience for all travellers.
According to the FAAN chief executive, a sixth part of the redevelopment plan will cover a redesigned Central square landscape. “The landscape in the central square, located in front of the terminal buildings, will be completely redesigned to create a welcoming atmosphere for arriving passengers, offering a first impression that reflects the pride and spirit of our nation,” she said.
Kuku noted that the Authority is reimagining the future of the MMIA, not just rebuilding a terminal, but elevating Nigeria’s aviation experience to global standards, adding that the new T1 will offer faster check-in, smarter security, brighter lounges, and better shopping — all built for travellers.
According to her, the project represents a future-focused infrastructure upgrade and a solemn commitment to every traveller passing through the country’s national gateway.
“We are undertaking this project so that every departure and return becomes a moment to look forward to. The upgraded terminal will elevate MMIA to an international platform, establishing it as a leading aviation hub in West Africa — becoming a source of national pride and meeting the highest global standards.
“Your understanding and support today are instrumental in helping us build the MMIA of tomorrow — more vibrant, convenient, and world-class — truly the pride of the nation. We aim to make every departure and return a moment to look forward to. The upgraded terminal will elevate MMIA to an international platform, establishing it as a leading aviation hub in West Africa and a source of national pride that meets the highest global standards,” she said.
The FEC said on Thursday that ₦469.74 billion of the total will fund the full rehabilitation and rebuild of Terminal One, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The project will strip the structure to its shell and replace all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
A time-frame of 22 months is projected for completion of the work. According to Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, “We’re rebuilding from the carcass up. This administration has abandoned patchwork repairs for permanent solutions.”
₦242.52 billion was approved for the Terminal Two expansion, which includes aprons, bridges, access roads, and support infrastructure. All works in Lagos will be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
