The Federal Government has announced plans to demolish and rebuild the old international terminal at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos — a move aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the disclosure via his official social media platforms on Thursday. He stated that the project, which has now received Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval, will involve stripping down the entire structure — including its roof — and replacing it with a new, modern terminal.
“What we simply want to do is to totally strip down that building, including the entire roof, then re-design and build a brand-new airport for the nation,” — Festus Keyamo
The overhaul is part of a broader strategy to improve Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and align with global standards of passenger comfort and traffic handling.
Terminal One, which faces the main airport road, was commissioned in 1979 and has served the country for more than four decades. The building currently operates two wings — D and E — but has long suffered from overcrowding, infrastructural fatigue, and underinvestment.
Mr Keyamo noted that the government is responding to years of passenger complaints and the growing volume of international traffic. Rebuilding the terminal is expected to improve efficiency, aesthetics, and safety — while also boosting Nigeria’s image as a regional transport hub.
PMW Insight:
Upgrading infrastructure at this scale has implications beyond aviation. From hospitality and retail development to real estate interest around the airport corridor, this project could stimulate investment and open doors for both private and public sector participation.
