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This report provides a look into the planned, phased revamping of Nigeria’s busiest international gateway — examining the challenges, stakeholder engagements, and strategic decisions shaping the future of MMIA Terminal 1. The renovation is expected to serve as a benchmark for infrastructure renewal across the nation’s airports, potentially redefining Nigeria’s standing in regional air travel. ANTHONY OMOH writes.

Since its commissioning on 15 March 1979, Terminal 1 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, has served as Nigeria’s most prominent aviation gateway. It was once a symbol of architectural excellence, modelled after Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. Over the decades, however, years of neglect and underinvestment have taken their toll. 

Today, the terminal struggles under the weight of decay, with broken facilities, leaking pipes and interiors that no longer reflect a modern nation. MMIA handles between 60 and 70 percent of Nigeria’s total passenger traffic. It also serves as a vital buffer to other international and domestic airports across the country.

Terminal 1, however, faces an intense capacity crunch. It was never designed to accommodate current passenger volumes or modern wide-body aircraft. Terminal 2 was intended to solve that problem, but its poor location undermined this aim. It was constructed in the area originally meant for Terminal 1’s expansion, creating new constraints instead of easing old ones.

Now, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), under Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, supported by Minister Festus Keyamo, is undertaking a Lagos airport terminal transformation. This major upgrade of Terminal 1 will proceed in carefully planned phases, to keep the airport operational throughout.

A Strategic, Phased Renovation

FAAN’s approach is pragmatic. Rather than demolishing the terminal, the agency is taking a methodical, step-by-step route. The renovation will start in the departure area, while the arrival wing remains open.

We are not pulling down the terminal,” said Managing Director FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku. “But it is going to be a major renovation. It starts with the departure area, and we’ll work in phases so that the airport can remain operational.

Terminal 1’s age and decay make this strategy necessary. Broken air conditioning, faulty avio-bridges, obsolete conveyor belts and leaky roofs are among the problems passengers and staff endure daily.

Minister Keyamo on the Old Terminal

Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo has been sharply critical of the old terminal’s condition and planning flaws. In May 2025, he declared the facility a “total eyesore,” noting its outdated design and constraints.

“It is a complete disgrace to our country to continue using the old terminal,” he told reporters, adding that the terminal was “smelly, leaking” and unfit for international use.

He pointedly noted that the new terminal, though built, lacked enough apron space for large aircraft, due to private hangars occupying critical positions. He warned that “60 check‑in counters in the new terminal… are not in use,” and this has forced continued dependence on the failing old structure.

Keyamo also reminded stakeholders that MMIA handles around 60 percent of all air traffic in Nigeria. He directed airlines to shift operations to the new terminal to allow rehabilitation of the old facility.

Collaborating with Stakeholders

To manage this massive renovation, FAAN has brought in international consultants and technical experts. Kuku acknowledged that while she brings aviation leadership experience, she relies on specialists for technical execution.

“I’m not an engineer, I’m not um, I’m not… so while I may have aviation experience, I’m not an engineer and I’m not a typical expert in operational planning,” she explained during a recent briefing.

“But what I have done is to make sure that we have engaged people that will do so. Even in the choice of contractors — those who have been selected or will be selected — we’ve made sure that top global experts are going to be working on both engineering and consultancy.”

She added, “We don’t want to end up with what we have in Terminal 2 again.”

This transparency and reliance on professional expertise mark a new era in aviation infrastructure planning for Nigeria.

Lessons from Terminal 2

Terminal 2 was constructed to decongest Terminal 1 but has become a cautionary tale in poor planning. It was built without enough apron space to accommodate large wide-body aircraft, limiting its effectiveness as a major terminal.

Worse still, it occupied land originally designated for Terminal 1’s growth, blocking room for further development and extension.

Kuku was frank about the consequences: 

This is why I keep talking about master planning. If not for the master planning issues that we had, we would not have given out an area that should have been for terminal expansion to hangar operators.

To fix this, FAAN is now planning to relocate those hangars. “We have had conversations about how to compensate the hangars owners so that they can move,” she said.

“For one or two of them, we’ve already identified new locations. They will move. That way, we will be able to extend the apron and also extend the finger.”

These adjustments form part of a larger effort to correct past planning errors and free up space for proper operational growth.

Supporting Concessionaires Through Transition

As part of the terminal overhaul, FAAN directed all concessionaires to hold off on new projects or investments inside Terminal 1. This move, which initially caused concern, is meant to prevent wasted efforts and funds during renovations.

“We’re not telling anyone to leave,” Kuku explained. “We’re saying, don’t invest more until we’re sure your area isn’t affected by an upcoming phase.”

The directive has been welcomed by many concessionaires who appreciate FAAN’s early communication. “At least now we know not to sink money into upgrades that might be temporary,” said one operator anonymously.

This collaborative communication model is rare in the Nigerian aviation space but increasingly necessary. It reflects FAAN’s desire to align with concessionaires, airlines and ground handlers for seamless operations.

Fixing Core Infrastructure and Uplifting Staff

The Lagos airport terminal transformation goes far beyond surface improvements. FAAN’s plan includes overhauling core systems — electrical wiring, mechanical installations, HVAC systems and plumbing. Faulty conveyor belts, malfunctioning baggage carousels, and leaky ceilings will be replaced.

An airport technician shared the current reality: “Every night, something breaks — a conveyor belt, a pipe, the ceiling. It’s endless patchwork.”

Another staffer spoke about morale: “We do what we can, but the environment doesn’t let us give our best.”

Kuku recognized this, saying, “It’s not just about machines. It’s about the people who work there. We can’t expect excellence from staff who are working in dysfunction.”

The human factor is central to this project. By improving the workspace, FAAN hopes to improve service delivery and restore pride among airport personnel.

Waiting for the Green Light

Though equipment such as new conveyor belts and avio-bridges has arrived in Nigeria, full renovation cannot begin until approvals are secured.

“We want to stabilize the environment first,” Kuku explained. “While I run the agency, I still have supervisory heads — the Honourable Minister and the President. Until I get that final approval, I can’t convene a full stakeholder session.”

Director of Airport Operations, Captain Abdullahi Zubeir Mahmoud, confirmed that the new systems are ready for installation. “We are only delaying to ensure we do it right,” he said.

Kuku maintained that Phase One of the departure wing will be completed before December — assuming approvals come through in time.

A New Chapter for Nigeria’s Aviation Image

Minister Keyamo and FAAN are clear: Nigeria must shift from reactive patches to strategic planning. Keyamo noted that even with improved experiences at the airport, Nigerian facilities remain “far away from global standards”.

He added that Terminal 1 was initially built for 200,000 annual passengers, yet it now handles three million a year. The vision is to rebuild and upgrade the terminal to meet modern needs, with a 20 million annual passenger capacity projection.

Frequent flyer Tolu Adebayo captures public sentiment: “You land at MMIA and feel like you’ve entered a time capsule. Other countries have leaped forward, but we’re stuck in the 80s.”

Passengers remain hopeful. Augustine, a regular United States traveler, said, “The escalators and elevators are almost always out of service. Toilets are smelly, old and poorly stocked. If FAAN can just fix the basics, it would be a major win.”

A tourism promoter added, “As soon as you step into an airport, you’re forming your first impression of the country. We need to make that moment count.”

A Turning Point for MMIA

This phased upgrade of Terminal 1 is a strategic pivot. It combines stakeholder collaboration, technical clarity and accountability. While complexities remain and approval delays persist, the project is anchored in transparency and a vision for world-standard infrastructure.

This Lagos airport terminal transformation is Nigeria’s opportunity to showcase aviation competence and restore national pride. As final approvals are awaited, expectations remain high. If FAAN succeeds, MMIA could soon reclaim its place as a true West African aviation hub — not just in history, but in practice.

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