BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has reassured passengers and airport users of continued comfort and accessibility at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, despite the ongoing large-scale rehabilitation and expansion project.
Mrs Kuku gave the assurance during a detailed inspection of the newly constructed temporary departure terminal, which is set to handle operations once Terminal 1 closes for the upgrade.
She was accompanied by project engineers and consultants overseeing the modernisation programme.
Emphasising the necessity of the project, Mrs Kuku said, “Murtala Mohammed Terminal One has been operational for over 48 years, with no major improvement or comprehensive rehabilitation in that time. This upgrade is not only necessary but urgent to meet the demands of modern air travel.”
She added, “The comfort and seamless experience of every passenger remains our utmost priority throughout this essential upgrade. We are committed to delivering a world-class gateway that Nigeria will be proud of, and we have implemented robust temporary arrangements to ensure minimal disruption.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised this project, recognising that Lagos is the nation’s premier gateway. This rehabilitation is being done for all Nigerians, to cater to the significant traffic and build the infrastructure our country deserves.”
Kuku provided insight into the phased approach of the project, noting, “We have promised Nigerians a new terminal, and we are meticulously working towards it. The project encompasses two major phases: the complete remodelling and rehabilitation of Terminal One, including all mechanical, engineering, plumbing, and civil works, and the significant extension of Terminal 2, which will feature an expanded finger and apron.”
She expressed satisfaction with the progress, saying, “The 8,000-square-meter temporary departure terminal is nearing completion and will be operational very soon. This facility, which is over 90 percent complete, will initially serve approximately five to six airlines for departures only. It is designed to handle up to 1,500 passengers at peak periods and includes full check-in, security screening, and boarding services through three gates.”
The FAAN boss confirmed that ancillary temporary infrastructure has also been established, including a dedicated car park and a temporary arrival and pickup area.
She highlighted accessibility as a key design feature, explaining, “The temporary terminal has been designed with accessibility as a key focus, catering to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility, the elderly, and children.”
The MMIA Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is a strategic, phased modernisation initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s busiest international airport.
The project seeks to comprehensively upgrade ageing infrastructure originally built in 1979, improve operational efficiency and safety, and enhance the passenger experience to meet global standards.
Upon completion, the project is expected to elevate Nigeria’s aviation profile, enhance safety and operational efficiency, provide a modern, improved experience for millions of passengers annually, and stimulate economic growth through increased air connectivity.
Kuku concluded that the rehabilitation represents a long-awaited facelift for Nigeria’s premier aviation gateway, marking a pivotal step in modernising the nation’s critical transport infrastructure and positioning the country as a competitive player in regional and global aviation.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
