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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the official commencement of reconstruction work at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest air gateway.
In a travel advisory issued on Friday, FAAN urged passengers to arrive at the airport well ahead of their departure time to avoid delays or missed flights, as the renovation is expected to cause disruptions to normal airport activities.
The rehabilitation of MMIA’s Terminal One is part of a larger infrastructure upgrade in the aviation sector. On August 1, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved over ₦900 billion for aviation projects across the country, with the Lagos terminal reconstruction being a central component.
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, explained that the project will involve stripping the terminal down to its structural base and rebuilding all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. According to him, the Lagos airport upgrade is valued at ₦712.25 billion, with a completion timeline of 22 months.
As construction gets underway, FAAN appealed to passengers and visitors to cooperate with the authority’s directives to reduce traffic congestion around the airport. “To ensure a smooth travel experience, we kindly request that passengers leave early for the airport to avoid missing flights, obey all traffic instructions to aid traffic flow, and park vehicles properly in designated car park areas,” the statement said.
The authority also stressed that, due to limited space during reconstruction, only those travelling should visit the airport until the project is completed. “We appreciate your cooperation and understanding,” FAAN added.
The reconstruction of MMIA comes amid growing calls from aviation stakeholders for urgent upgrades to Nigeria’s airport infrastructure. The Lagos airport, first commissioned in 1979, has long faced issues ranging from ageing facilities to overcrowding, poor ventilation, and outdated safety systems. Many travellers have complained about the discomfort at the terminal, especially during peak travel periods.
The current renovation is expected to significantly improve passenger experience by modernising facilities to meet international standards. Industry experts say that once completed, the project could boost Nigeria’s reputation as a regional aviation hub and support the country’s economic growth by facilitating smoother international trade and travel.
For now, however, travellers are being advised to plan their trips carefully to minimise the inconvenience caused by the ongoing works. The situation may particularly affect business travellers and airlines operating tight schedules.
The Lagos airport is a critical hub for both domestic and international travel, handling millions of passengers annually and serving as the main entry point into Nigeria. Its reconstruction is seen as a vital step in aligning the country’s aviation infrastructure with global standards.
While the cost of the project has raised concerns in some quarters, government officials argue that the investment is necessary to address long-standing infrastructure gaps and position the country for future aviation growth.
As the works progress, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the 22-month completion target is met, given the history of delays in major infrastructure projects in the country.
For now, FAAN is calling for patience, understanding, and cooperation from the travelling public to ensure safety and smooth operations throughout the reconstruction period.
