BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, have commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for the successful upgrade of the Pilgrim Terminal Building at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The commendation came during a recent inspection of the newly refurbished terminal, where both officials expressed satisfaction with the quality of the project and FAAN’s commitment to modernising airport infrastructure in line with international standards.
Speaking after the inspection, Keyamo praised the FAAN management for delivering a facility that supports the Federal Government’s drive to improve aviation infrastructure and enhance passenger experience.
He said the upgraded terminal aligns with global aviation standards and advances the federal government’s development agenda for the aviation sector.
“The upgraded terminal reflects the Federal Government’s determination to provide world-class aviation infrastructure that meets international standards while improving service delivery for pilgrims and other airport users,” the minister said.
He noted that investment in airport infrastructure remains a key priority of the administration, adding that modern facilities are essential to boosting passenger comfort, operational efficiency and Nigeria’s standing as a regional aviation hub.
The minister also lauded the leadership of FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for driving infrastructure renewal across the country’s airports, describing the upgraded pilgrim terminal as another milestone in the Authority’s transformation agenda.
Also speaking during the inspection, FAAN Board Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, applauded the quality of the renovation and commended the management for completing a project that will improve the travel experience of Nigerian pilgrims.
Ganduje said the terminal upgrade demonstrates FAAN’s commitment to providing safe, modern and efficient airport facilities capable of meeting the growing demands of air travellers.
The upgraded Pilgrim Terminal is expected to provide improved processing areas, enhanced passenger amenities and more efficient operational facilities for pilgrims travelling to religious destinations, particularly during the annual Hajj and Christian pilgrimage seasons.
The project forms part of FAAN’s broader airport modernisation programme aimed at upgrading critical infrastructure across Nigeria’s airports, improving passenger satisfaction and positioning the country’s aviation sector to meet global best practices.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Kuku, FAAN has intensified efforts to rehabilitate airport terminals, strengthen safety and security infrastructure and improve operational efficiency as part of ongoing reforms in the aviation industry.
Industry observers say the completion of the upgraded Pilgrim Terminal underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding airport capacity and providing facilities that enhance the overall travel experience for passengers while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
