The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved ₦712 billion for the full rehabilitation, upgrade, and modernisation of International Terminal-1 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The approval was the centrepiece of a sweeping ₦900 billion aviation infrastructure plan for the country.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the disclosure yesterday while addressing newsmen after the FEC meeting presided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at State House, Abuja.
Keyamo said the project, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), will strip the old terminal down to its structural core before rebuilding it with new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. He said the project, funded entirely through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, will be executed over a period of 22 months.
According to Keyamo, “We have decided to strip it down to only the carcass and then do the complete M&E again”. He emphasised the administration’s departure from patchwork repairs towards comprehensive overhaul of key aviation facilities.
FEC also approved the expansion of Terminal-2, including the construction of a new apron, access roads, bridges, and related works.
When combined with the Terminal-1 project, the total cost of all Lagos-related airport works amounted to ₦712.26 billion, making it one of the most significant single investments in Nigeria’s aviation sector in recent years.
In a move to improve security at the Lagos airport, the Council approved a ₦49.9 billion perimeter fencing project. The 14.6-kilometre metal fence will feature an intrusion detection system, CCTV cameras, solar-powered floodlights, and a patrol road.
According to the Minister, the security enhancements will include a modern command centre capable of detecting any movement near the fence in real-time.
Keyamo said, “The Council also approved greenlit upgrades at other key airports across the country. At Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, FEC approved ₦46.39 billion for the rehabilitation of both runways and taxiways, along with an upgrade of the airfield lighting to Category Two (CAT-2) standards.
“The 24-week project is expected to significantly improve operational safety and reduce weather-related flight disruptions”, he added.
He also said, “Port Harcourt International Airport is also set for a runway and taxiway rehabilitation, with airfield lighting upgrades to CAT-2 standards, approved at a cost of ₦42.14 billion. In Lagos airport, airfield lighting on Runways-18 Left and 36 Right, as well as on Taxiways B and C, will be upgraded to CAT-2 LED systems, under a ₦44.13 billion contract with a 30-week completion period.
“To further improve operations at Lagos’ domestic wing, the council approved the reconstruction and conversion of over 82,000 square meters of apron areas. This project, valued at ₦24.27 billion, will be carried out in phases over approximately 17 and a half months to expand aircraft parking space and ease traffic management.”, he further stated.
To reassure stakeholders, he stressed that the process had been transparent and inclusive, particularly with regard to labour unions, stressing that labour representatives have been fully involved in the concession process.
The Minister pledged that full details of the concession, including the identities of the consortium members and financial terms, would be made public in due course.
“At the right time, we will jointly address Nigerians and disclose all necessary details to ensure full transparency”, he stated.
