Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the federal government’s decision to invest ₦712 billion in the ongoing renovation and upgrade of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, describing it as a “bold and necessary step” toward repositioning the nation’s aviation infrastructure for global competitiveness.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Keyamo stated that the project is a long-overdue overhaul aimed at addressing decades of neglect, improving safety standards, increasing passenger capacity, and transforming the airport into a modern international aviation hub.
“We are not just renovating an old terminal,” Keyamo emphasized. “We are completely redesigning passenger experience, security architecture, and operational efficiency in a way that meets international standards and enhances Nigeria’s image as a key player in global aviation.”
The minister explained that the funding covers not only terminal reconstruction but also major upgrades to runways, taxiways, fire and rescue facilities, digital systems, energy-efficient infrastructure, and expansion of cargo operations. He assured Nigerians that all contracts passed through due process and were benchmarked against international cost standards.
Keyamo also addressed concerns about transparency and value for money, stating that an independent monitoring framework has been instituted, involving relevant anti-corruption agencies and aviation stakeholders to ensure accountability.
“We welcome public scrutiny,” he said. “This is a strategic investment in our economic future, not a luxury spend.”
The renovation is part of a broader National Aviation Infrastructure Renewal Plan, which includes upgrades to airports in Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, with the Lagos terminal leading the transformation due to its status as Nigeria’s busiest airport.