FAAN Kicks Off N712 Billion Overhaul of Lagos Airport Terminal 1

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced a massive N712 billion rehabilitation of the old terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. This long-overdue project aims to address decades of underinvestment and capacity constraints at Nigeria's busiest gateway, positioning it to compete as a modern aviation hub in West Africa.

The project was accelerated following a fire in the baggage area of Terminal 1 on February 23, 2026, which underscored the urgent need for modernization. Originally designed in 1979 for 300,000 passengers annually, the terminal was handling nearly three million passengers per year before the renovation work began, leading to severe congestion and operational deficiencies.

A Strategic Overhaul for a Regional Hub

The rehabilitation is a cornerstone of the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope Infrastructure Project and a broader dual-hub strategy for Nigeria. According to FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the plan involves developing Lagos as the primary commercial and cargo gateway while establishing Abuja as a political and administrative hub.

"Lagos serves as our primary commercial gateway, handling the bulk of international passenger and cargo traffic," Kuku stated during a recent Aviation Round Table (ART) meeting. "Together, these airports form the backbone of Nigeria’s hub strategy." The goal is to create efficient transit facilities that enable Nigerian carriers to funnel passengers from the West Coast to destinations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

The comprehensive transformation of MMIA includes crucial airside and landside upgrades. Key components involve the rehabilitation of runways and taxiways, along with the installation of enhanced Category II (CAT II) Instrument Landing System ground lighting. This upgrade will support 24-hour, all-weather operations, a critical requirement for a global hub and necessary for compliance with Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and ICAO safety standards.

To accommodate more wide-body aircraft, the project necessitates the expansion of the apron. This requires the relocation of two Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), Dominion and Ever Green, from their current locations. Security is also a major focus, with plans for a new 14.6-kilometre steel perimeter fence equipped with intrusion detection systems, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), and solar-powered floodlights, aligning with ICAO Annex 17 security protocols.

Operational Impact and Temporary Measures

During the construction, which is expected to last 22 months following the terminal's full closure in March 2026, international flight operations will be managed through a temporary facility. FAAN has constructed an 8,000-square-metre temporary departure hall capable of processing up to 1,500 passengers during peak hours. International airlines are currently relocating their operations to this interim terminal.

The project also seeks to correct structural deficiencies from the hastily constructed new terminal, which opened in 2022 but suffered from inadequate ramp space. The relocation of the FBOs is a direct measure to resolve this issue. Further enhancements include plans for a monorail to improve connectivity between the domestic and international wings of the airport, addressing chronic traffic congestion that has caused passengers to miss flights.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

This large-scale overhaul is not without precedent in Nigeria. In 2017, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja was completely closed for six weeks for a full runway reconstruction, demonstrating a willingness to undertake disruptive but necessary infrastructure projects. Similarly, the fire at MMIA echoes the 2013 fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which served as a catalyst for accelerated terminal modernization.

While the government-led initiative is seen as more focused than past efforts, some industry experts express concerns. Aviation consultant Chris Aligbe has suggested the N712 billion budget may be insufficient for a truly world-class facility, while airline executives like Ado Sanusi have questioned the viability of a hub strategy without first achieving at least 30% transit traffic, which Nigeria currently lacks.

What Comes Next

According to the timeline provided by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the full closure of MMIA's Terminal 1 is confirmed for March 2026. The comprehensive rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by January 2028. The proposed monorail project remains in the high-level engagement phase, with no firm construction date announced.

Why This Matters

The MMIA rehabilitation is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a critical test of Nigeria's ambition to reclaim its status as a premier aviation leader in Africa. If successful, the project will significantly enhance passenger experience, improve safety and efficiency, and provide the foundation for a competitive hub-and-spoke network. Its outcome will have lasting implications for regional trade, tourism, and Nigeria's overall economic trajectory.