Tinubu Approves N712.3 Billion for Lagos Airport Overhaul Under Renewed Hope Plan
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a landmark N712.3 billion for the full-scale overhaul of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos the largest coordinated aviation infrastructure upgrade in Nigeria’s recent history.
This was revealed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
First Major Rehabilitation of MMIA Terminal Since Inception
Keyamo clarified that this is not a cosmetic patchwork but a complete rebuild of the old international terminal, including full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing replacements.
“We’re stripping the building down to its carcass and rebuilding it,” he said.
The contract has been awarded to CCECC, the same Chinese firm that constructed Terminal 2 at the airport. The scope also includes:
Apron expansion
New access roads and bridges
Modernized runway lighting systems
The project is slated for completion within 22 months.
Domestic Apron Expansion, Nationwide Runway Upgrades
In addition to the international terminal, the airport’s domestic apron will be expanded in a three-phase project covering 82,000 square meters and costing N24.3 billion.
Runway and lighting enhancements are also planned for:
Port Harcourt Airport – N42.1 billion
Kano Airport – N46.3 billion
Lagos Airport – N44.1 billion
The upgrades aim to meet Category 2 Instrument Landing System (CAT II) standards, improving aircraft landing capability during low-visibility weather such as Harmattan.
N49.9 Billion Perimeter Surveillance Project for Lagos Airport
To boost airport security, Keyamo also announced the approval of a N49.9 billion perimeter surveillance project for MMIA, designed to combat runway incursions and wildlife hazards.
The project includes:
14.6 km metal fencing
Solar-powered floodlights
Motion-triggered intrusion detection systems
Centralized command center
CCTV coverage
Operational access roads
“There have been too many near-misses involving aircraft and unauthorized persons or animals,” Keyamo said.
The surveillance infrastructure is scheduled for completion in 24 months.
30-Year Concession for Enugu Airport Approved
In a strategic shift toward public-private partnerships (PPP), the FEC also approved a 30-year concession for Akano Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, awarded to the Aero Alliance Consortium.
The concession covers both the passenger terminal and the unfinished cargo terminal and is expected to inject private capital into an underperforming facility.
Keyamo explained that this is part of a broader effort to make smaller airports self-sustaining and commercially viable.
“We are no longer using Lagos, Abuja, and Kano to fund other airports,” he stated.
The minister promised greater transparency, revealing that unions were carried along throughout the process and that full disclosure of all parties involved will be made public.
Backstory: Reversing the Buhari-Era Concession Controversy
The move marks a new phase in Nigeria’s aviation concession policy. In May 2023, the Buhari administration had controversially approved concessions for Abuja and Kano airports, a decision which was later paused following criticism from the Senate and industry stakeholders.
Keyamo had in 2024 promised to review the concessions to ensure fairness and transparency.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Aviation Future
Experts believe this massive investment reflects Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
The strategic upgrades from full terminal rebuilds and expanded aprons to high-tech surveillance and smarter concessions are expected to:
Improve passenger experience
Boost air safety and operational efficiency
Attract global aviation investments
Unlock commercial revenue streams at airports
