“The changes being made are extremely good but largely built around the traditional aviation space. The space I belong to is the future of aviation,” said Ms Charlotte Essiet, Director of Elint Systems Limited. Speaking on modern infrastructure upgrades at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), during the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative to the first quarter 2026 Business Breakfast Meeting, she emphasised the need for future ready airports that integrate drones, online traffic management systems, and advanced avian mobility.
Future Ready Airports
Ms Essiet explained that the future ready airports concept goes beyond traditional runways and terminals. “The future of aviation is not just the runways, it is the airspace,” she said. “We need to start integrating drones, we need Unmanned Traffic Management systems, and advanced air mobility infrastructure for airport design. If Lagos gets this right, it will not just be a passenger hub; it will be a true aviation and airspace hub for Africa.”
Ms Esset reacting to managing director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku’s upgrade presentation, highlighted the importance of integrating drones and Unmanned Traffic Management into airport operations. Advanced avian mobility infrastructure such as automated aircraft handling, smart runways, and digital navigation systems is critical to preparing for the next generation of aviation. By incorporating these elements, MMIA can serve as a model for Africa’s emerging airspace hubs.
The concept of future ready airports also involves strategic expansion. Ms Esset encouraged planning beyond current terminal renovations. “While we are building Terminal 1, we should also be looking to the future, going west and expanding the terminals. We should not wait until we have almost fifty aircraft coming to Nigeria before we consider building other airports,” she said.
The integration of advanced technology, proactive planning, and supervisory oversight positions MMIA as a blueprint for Africa’s future ready airports. From drone corridors to advanced airspace management and modern passenger facilities, Nigeria is taking deliberate steps to align with global aviation trends.
In conclusion, the upgrades at MMIA demonstrate a commitment to building future ready airports capable of handling emerging aviation technologies, drones, and increased passenger volumes. By combining technology, infrastructure, and forward-thinking planning, Nigeria is preparing a hub that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities in African aviation.
The plans unveiled by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, focus on robust terminal upgrades, modern facilities, and enhanced passenger handling. However, Ms Esset stressed that while these improvements are important, achieving future ready airports requires proactive adoption of technology and innovative planning.
Also speaking, Chairman International Airline Operators Committee, Mr. Damilila Ogunseye spoke on operational foresight as a key component to upgrades. Basic infrastructure such as bus lifts and alternative parking solutions, often overlooked in Nigerian airports, must be incorporated into MMIA’s design. “All these things are things we should prepare for. Most of the time, we are not proactive, that is the Nigerian mentality,” Ogunseye noted. Anticipating these challenges ensures that facilities are fully functional once the hub begins operating at full capacity.
Supervisory engagement is another pillar of future ready airports. Ogunseye praised the role of FAAN in facilitating upgrades and the Independent Regulatory Oversight Panel for ensuring accountability. “Please let us ensure that what they are doing, I know IROP is doing supervisory work, please let them engage so that, in the end, they expect Terminal 1 to be renovated. It won’t become a problem again, like Terminal 2. And when we are also engaging people to do things, particularly at the airport, we must ensure that we put qualified people in place. We have limited gates, and we want to become a hub station.
“So, we should be looking at expansion. But while we’re building Terminal 1, we should also be looking to the future, going west and expanding the terminals. We shouldn’t wait until we have almost 50 airlines coming to Nigeria, and that’s when we want to start building other airports.”
Qualified personnel are also essential. MMIA’s vision for future ready airports includes placing competent staff in operational and supervisory roles to manage modern technologies and airspace systems effectively. This ensures that Nigeria’s ambition to become a hub nation is supported by a workforce capable of handling complex airspace and passenger logistics efficiently.
