Abuja, Nigeria – Get ready for a major uplift in Nigeria’s aviation sector! The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its stamp of approval to contracts totaling a whopping N987 billion for extensive infrastructure upgrades across the nation’s airports. This monumental investment promises to transform air travel, enhance safety, and bring Nigerian airports up to international standards.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, shared the exciting news following Thursday’s FEC meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu. The funding, he explained, will be sourced from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, a testament to the President’s commitment to critical national infrastructure.
“Today, it was the turn of aviation to receive the kind attention of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund,” Keyamo stated, expressing gratitude for the President’s focus on “massive infrastructural upgrades across the country.”
Lagos Airports to Undergo Major Transformation
The cornerstone of this ambitious initiative is the complete rehabilitation and modernisation of International Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. This isn’t just a facelift; the terminal will be “stripped down to its structural frame and rebuilt to meet international standards,” according to Keyamo. He added, “We have decided to strip it down to only the carcass, and then redo the entire mechanical and electrical systems.”
The project, fully funded by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, has been awarded to CCECC, the same company responsible for constructing Terminal Two in Lagos. Furthermore, Terminal Two itself will be expanded to include a new apron, access roads, bridges, and other related infrastructure.
The total cost for the rehabilitation of Lagos airports alone will amount to N712.26 billion, with an expected completion timeframe of 22 months.
Enhanced Safety and Security Nationwide
Beyond Lagos, other key airports are set for significant upgrades:
- Malam Aminu Kano International Airport: Both runways and taxiways will be rehabilitated, and the airfield ground lighting will be upgraded to Category 2 (CAT 2) standards. This N46.39 billion project, slated for completion within 24 weeks, is expected to “significantly enhance flight safety, especially during the hazy harmattan seasons that have historically caused delays and cancellations.” Keyamo noted, “With the navigational aids we are bringing to Kano, aircraft can land even in very hazy weather.”
- Lagos Airport Security: A major security boost is also on the cards for Lagos airport with the approval of a 14.6 km perimeter fence. This advanced fence will be equipped with CCTV, solar floodlights, intrusion detection systems, and patrol roads. This critical security project is valued at nearly N50 billion and will take 24 months to complete.
- Port Harcourt International Airport: This airport will also see runway and taxiway rehabilitation, along with upgraded airfield lighting to CAT 2 standards. Costing N42.14 billion, this project aims to improve safety and operations, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Enugu Airport Concession Moves Forward
In another significant development for the aviation sector, Keyamo announced FEC’s approval for the full business case for a 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. This move suggests a strategic shift towards private sector involvement in managing and developing key airport infrastructure.
The approved contracts signal a robust commitment from the Federal Government to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, promising a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive air travel experience for all Nigerians.
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