August 1, 2025 | Abuja
The Federal Government has taken a historic step toward modernizing Nigeria’s aviation landscape by approving a ₦712.26 billion full-scale rehabilitation of Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the country’s busiest air travel hub.
The massive infrastructure investment was approved during the latest Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the approval while briefing State House correspondents on Thursday.
According to Keyamo, the project, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), will involve complete deconstruction of the outdated terminal down to its structural core, followed by a full-scale rebuild using modern mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The revamped facility is expected to align with international standards and improve passenger flow, safety, and service delivery.
“This is the most ambitious airport rehabilitation project in Nigeria’s history,” Keyamo declared. “It is part of a broader ₦900 billion aviation infrastructure strategy aimed at positioning Nigeria as a regional aviation leader.”
The project also includes the expansion of Terminal Two, featuring new aircraft aprons, upgraded access roads, and connecting bridges, improvements aimed at increasing the operational capacity of Lagos airport, a key gateway to West Africa.
In a separate but related development, the FEC approved an additional ₦49.9 billion for an advanced perimeter security system around the Lagos airport. This includes the construction of a 14.6-kilometer steel fence equipped with intrusion detection systems, CCTV surveillance, solar-powered floodlights, and a patrol road. An integrated command-and-control center will be established to monitor real-time movements around the airport fence and ensure rapid response to potential threats.
Keyamo emphasized that the security upgrade would drastically reduce breaches and unauthorized access while reinforcing aviation safety.
The combined infrastructure and security projects signal a significant shift in Nigeria’s aviation strategy, one that places safety, modernization, and efficiency at the core of national development. They also reflect President Tinubu’s economic vision to elevate Nigeria’s global standing through targeted investments in critical sectors.
With rising passenger traffic, global connectivity demands, and security threats, the new projects are expected to redefine the standards for airport infrastructure in Nigeria and create long-term socio-economic value.
