₦712bn Renovation Brouhaha: What Do Nigerians Really Want?

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Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive. The current renovation brouhaha risks undermining progress by promoting knee-jerk scepticism over informed dialogue

BY TUNDE MOSHOOD

When the news broke that the Federal Executive Council had approved ₦712 billion for the complete overhaul of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal 1 in Lagos, a renovation brouhaha erupted.

The backlash came swiftly, mostly from social media. Suddenly, everyone became an infrastructure economist or self-declared anti-corruption crusader. Yet, amid the noise, one key question remains ignored:

What do Nigerians really want?

Do we want a modern, efficient airport that reflects global standards, or another patch-up job that delays inevitable decay?

Let’s consider the facts. MMIA Terminal 1, commissioned in 1979, was built for fewer than a million passengers yearly. It now handles over 8 million, funneling travelers through a smelly, outdated, and crumbling terminal.

Air conditioning barely works. Conveyor belts break down often. The décor resembles a government office from the 1980s. Still, when the Federal Government finally commits to fixing it, outrage overshadows logic.

The Real Cost Behind the Renovation Brouhaha

To understand the scale, let’s examine other African countries. Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport expansion cost over $345 million. Rwanda’s Kigali terminal is pegged at $1.3 billion. Angola’s new Luanda Airport is projected at $3 billion.

In comparison, Nigeria’s ₦712 billion project (about $475 million at ₦1500/$) is not outrageous. It aligns with international benchmarks. The MMIA plan includes modern terminals, energy-saving systems, multimodal links, advanced security, ICT upgrades, aerobridges, fire systems, and lounge redesigns.

This is not extravagance. It’s a long-overdue necessity, and at the heart of the renovation brouhaha lies our refusal to accept that quality infrastructure costs real money.

Who’s Fueling the Renovation Brouhaha?

Many critics refuse to acknowledge the competence of Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN. Since taking office, Keyamo has tackled Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) gaps, improved Nigeria’s ICAO rating from 49% to 75.5%, and pushed reforms.

These reforms, one of which led to the practice direction that will enable local airlines to dry lease aircraft more easily under the Cape Town Convention.

His legal background has reduced dependence on expensive foreign aviation consultants. Still, his every action is questioned, mostly because he’s not a pilot. But leadership isn’t about technical know-how, it’s about coordination, vision, and results.

Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive. The current renovation brouhaha risks undermining progress by promoting knee-jerk scepticism over informed dialogue.

Cafeteria Experts and Armchair Analysts

Nigerians have perfected the “Cafeteria Expert” syndrome, loud, often misinformed commentary from people whose closest link to aviation might be operating a business near an airport.

These voices shout loudest about “inflated costs” while offering no comparative insights or feasible alternatives. Is every contract perfect? No. Should projects be scrutinized? Absolutely. But let’s not confuse activism with ignorance.

Constructive Engagement Over Cynicism

The media space must mature beyond perpetual distrust. Not every project is a scam. Not every minister is a thief. This default mindset breeds national stagnation. Let’s invite public procurement experts, engineers, and civil society to review the renovation plan. Let’s demand transparency, but not hostility.

Instead of amplifying the renovation brouhaha, we should be demanding technical breakdowns, project timelines, independent audits, and contractor track records.

MMIA Is More Than a Terminal

MMIA is Nigeria’s most important gateway, our economic, diplomatic, and tourism front door. What first impression do we want to make? A modern terminal can change perceptions, attract investment, and improve passenger experience.

A ₦712 billion spend, if properly managed, is an investment, not a liability. It’s a chance to rewrite Nigeria’s aviation story.

So, What Do We Really Want?

Do we want world-class terminals that represent our economic ambition, or should we continue recycling mediocrity for political appeasement?

The renovation brouhaha may sell headlines. But the truth remains: Nigeria deserves better. And this project, flawed or not, could be the start of something transformative.

Tunde Moshood is the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.