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₦712.26 billion has been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the Lagos airport terminal rehabilitation, signalling Nigeria’s most ambitious aviation investment.
The sum covers the complete overhaul of International Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), alongside expansion works at Terminal Two. The approval came during Thursday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
₦469.74 billion of the total will fund the full rehabilitation and rebuild of Terminal One, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The project will strip the structure to its shell and replace all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
22 months is the projected completion timeline. According to Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, “We’re rebuilding from the carcass up. This administration has abandoned patchwork repairs for permanent solutions.”
₦242.52 billion was approved for the Terminal Two expansion, which includes aprons, bridges, access roads, and support infrastructure. All works in Lagos will be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
₦49.9 billion will be used to secure MMIA with a 14.6-kilometre perimeter fence equipped with intrusion detection systems, solar-powered floodlights, CCTV surveillance, and patrol roads. A modern command and control centre will provide real-time perimeter monitoring.
“Any intrusion along the fence will be instantly detected, and the exact coordinates will be transmitted,” Keyamo explained.
₦46.39 billion has been allocated to upgrade Malam Aminu Kano International Airport. The works include runway and taxiway rehabilitation and Category II airfield lighting. The project is expected to last 24 weeks.
₦42.14 billion will fund similar upgrades at Port Harcourt International Airport. Like Kano, the focus is on runway resurfacing and upgraded airfield lighting.
₦44.13 billion was earmarked for the MMIA domestic wing. This covers the upgrade of Runways 18L/36R and Taxiways B and C to Category II LED lighting standards. The project is scheduled for completion in 30 weeks.
₦24.27 billion will go towards reconstructing and expanding 82,000 square metres of apron space at Lagos Domestic Terminal. This effort aims to relieve apron congestion and improve aircraft movement. It will be executed in phases over 17.5 months.
The Lagos airport terminal rehabilitation marks a shift toward deeper structural investment. It aims to resolve chronic inefficiencies and boost Nigeria’s airport competitiveness. Notably, these figures reflect the single-largest investment ever concentrated in one aviation location.
Across all projects, security, safety, and efficiency are top priorities. The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund is positioned as the financial backbone to support this infrastructure turnaround.
Keyamo emphasised that Nigeria must meet international aviation standards with infrastructure that is both modern and future-ready. “Our airports are national gateways,” he said. “This is about image, efficiency, and safety.”
Observers say the move is likely to bolster investor confidence, especially as international traffic and cargo volumes increase. With the phased execution approach, disruptions to operations are expected to be minimal.
These investments reinforce government commitment to strengthening critical infrastructure. Execution, transparency, and timely delivery will be crucial to earning public and industry trust.
As work begins, the administration is being closely watched. Stakeholders across aviation, business, and logistics sectors have expressed cautious optimism. If completed as promised, this will be a turning point for Nigerian aviation.
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