The Federal Government’s decision to approve a whopping N712 billion for the renovation of the old Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos has sparked widespread public reaction, with many Nigerians questioning the cost and transparency of the project.
The renovation plan, which was announced after approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is now one of the most talked-about government projects in recent months. Despite several public explanations by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), criticism has continued to pour in, especially on social media.
To address the concerns, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has broken down the scope of the project, noting that the redevelopment will be carried out in six phases. FAAN explained that the aim is to upgrade the Lagos international airport to a world-class standard, befitting Nigeria’s status as West Africa’s largest economy.
The first phase will involve a comprehensive rehabilitation of Terminal 1, which is the oldest part of the airport and has remained largely untouched since it was inaugurated in 1979 by the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. The renovations will include modern architectural upgrades, new plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, and interior redesign.
FAAN also revealed that Terminal 2 will be expanded to accommodate wide-body aircraft. Existing hangars in the proposed expansion area will be relocated. Additionally, a new road network will be constructed to ease congestion and improve traffic flow around the airport.
The plan also includes the construction of a skywalk and a connecting building to link Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, promoting smooth passenger movement between both areas. FAAN further noted that a temporary departure hall will be provided during the renovation to ensure uninterrupted passenger operations.
As part of the facelift, the central square at the entrance of the terminal will be redesigned to create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects national pride.
FAAN has called for public support, stating that although the construction period may bring temporary inconveniences, the final result will be a facility that meets global standards and boosts Nigeria’s aviation image.
According to FAAN, “This is more than just a renovation. We are reimagining the future of Nigerian aviation. The project is designed to deliver smarter security systems, faster check-ins, better retail experiences, and modern lounges.”
Minister Festus Keyamo defended the project, stating that the Federal Government is not borrowing to execute it. Instead, the funds will come from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which was created using savings from the removal of fuel subsidy. He added that the current condition of the terminal is no longer acceptable, given its poor ventilation, outdated conveyor belts, and general structural wear.
Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, also weighed in, insisting that public criticism was being fuelled by “misinformation and emotional responses.” He accused many Nigerians of turning into “overnight infrastructure experts” without considering the technical scope of such large-scale projects.
Moshood pointed out that MMIA Terminal 1 was originally built to serve less than one million passengers per year, but now handles over eight million annually. He said this overstretch has led to poor service delivery and infrastructure failure.
He added that the renovation is not just about painting walls or changing tiles but involves a complete structural overhaul, including smart security technology, energy-efficient systems, modern baggage handling equipment, new aerobridges, ICT upgrades, and integration with multi-modal transport systems.
To defend the cost, Moshood gave examples of similar airport projects in other African countries. He said Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport expansion cost over $345 million, Angola’s new Luanda airport is expected to cost $3 billion, Rwanda’s Kigali airport is undergoing reconstruction worth $1.3 billion, while Abidjan’s new terminal cost over $300 million.
Given the current exchange rate of ₦1,500 to $1, Moshood explained that Nigeria’s N712 billion project translates to about $475 million, which he said is within global standards.
He further commended Minister Keyamo’s leadership since taking office, citing improvements in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including resolving delays around Bilateral Air Services Agreements, increasing Nigeria’s ICAO safety rating from 49% to 75.5%, and implementing the Cape Town Convention protocols.
Moshood dismissed concerns over the Minister’s qualifications, saying leadership is about vision, not technical training, and urged Nigerians to judge the project based on its merits and long-term impact.
He called on critics to base their comments on facts, not assumptions, saying: “Criticism must be informed, balanced, and constructive. Not every initiative is a scam. Not every official is a thief.”
In his final remarks, Moshood described the MMIA project as a symbol of Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic status. “This is the country’s main gateway. Visitors, investors, and diplomats form their first impression of Nigeria at this airport. We must give them a facility that reflects our national pride,” he said.
