By Kunle Sanni –
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has provided further details on the Federal Government’s plan to reconstruct and modernize the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, following a major approval at last week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
In a statement issued to clarify public understanding of the project, the Minister outlined a complete overhaul of Terminal One, expansion of Terminal Two, and the integration of smart technology and modern traffic solutions—aimed at transforming Nigeria’s busiest airport into a world-class facility.
Terminal One, originally built in 1979 under the Obasanjo military regime and comprising Wings D and E, will be completely stripped down, leaving only its structural frame. It will then be redesigned and rebuilt to meet modern international standards and accommodate increased passenger traffic.
“The building and facilities became totally decrepit after decades of overuse and minimal upgrades. What we want to do is reconfigure and rebuild from scratch,” Keyamo stated.
The newer Terminal Two, constructed under the Jonathan administration with a Chinese loan and completed during President Buhari’s tenure, will also undergo significant improvements. These include expansion of the terminal and apron to accommodate more aircraft, especially wide-body planes.
Keyamo further disclosed that two new ring roads will be constructed—one each for departures and arrivals—to ease traffic congestion around the airport and improve overall access.
In addition, a dedicated elevated bridge will be built to provide direct access to the Departure Lounge on the upper floor, correcting what the Minister described as a major design flaw in the current layout.
The redesigned terminals, he added, will incorporate smart infrastructure and digital systems aligned with global aviation standards, enhancing both efficiency and passenger experience.
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