Nigeria’s Federal Government has committed approximately $500 million in cash to modernise the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Speaking at the Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in Lagos on Wednesday, April 1, Keyamo said the scale of the investment reflects the country’s ambition to strengthen its aviation infrastructure and position Lagos as a leading gateway on the continent.
“The scale of Nigeria’s aviation opportunity is perhaps best illustrated by what is now happening in Lagos, with roughly half a billion dollars invested by the Nigerian government in the modernisation of Lagos International Airport infrastructure.
“Nigeria is making a clear statement that the gateway serving one of Africa’s most important aviation markets must match the scale of its responsibility. We did not borrow the money; Mr President made the funds available in cash, and contractors have already moved to the site,” he stated.
He added that the project, which has already commenced, is expected to be completed within 22 months, expressing confidence in the outcome of the redevelopment.
“You will be very proud of what you see at Lagos airport in the next 22 months because that is the time allocated for delivery. Mr President [Bola Tinubu] understands the importance of aviation and its gateways. You can imagine how we are clearing the backlog and reforming our major airports.
“After Lagos, we are moving elsewhere. The President has also approved the commencement of the second runway in Abuja; you are hearing it here for the first time. Work had been halted due to volatility in the Niger, but construction will resume immediately, and the second runway in Abuja will be ready in no time,” he said.
The MMIA modernisation, approved by the Federal Executive Council, is valued at ₦712 billion and is designed as a comprehensive overhaul rather than routine upgrades, with the aim of transforming the ageing airport into a world-class aviation hub.
Lagos currently operates a single major international airport, MMIA, which includes multiple terminals. MMA1, operated by the government, handles international flights, while MMA2, a privately owned facility, primarily serves domestic routes. A recently commissioned international terminal has introduced modern features such as self-check-in counters to improve passenger processing and capacity.
Plans are also underway for the proposed Lekki International Airport, intended to support the growing demand from the Lekki Free Trade Zone and surrounding residential developments.
The urgency of the redevelopment has been underscored by recent safety concerns. In late February 2026, a fire at Terminal 1 of the old international wing, reportedly originating from the IT server room, spread quickly and damaged key communication systems operated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. Fourteen people, including 12 air traffic controllers, were rescued, with six sustaining minor injuries. The incident led to a temporary shutdown of the airfield and diversion of flights to Abuja.
Following the incident, Keyamo ordered the demolition of the affected terminal, accelerating plans for reconstruction as part of the broader modernisation effort.
