Keyamo Clarifies ₦712 Billion ″Complete Rebuild″ of Lagos Airport Is Not Patchwork – Funded by Subsidy Removal Savings
Abuja / Lagos, Nigeria – August 3, 2025
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has dismissed claims that the ₦712.3 billion approval for Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal One renovation is merely superficial. He emphasized that the project is a complete strip‑down and rebuild, financed entirely through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund – which stems from savings after fuel subsidy removal, not foreign loans or debt.
Complete Structural Overhaul, Not Patchwork
At the Federal Executive Council meeting, Keyamo confirmed the administration has moved away from incremental repairs toward a full reconstruction of Terminal One. He said:
“We are going to strip it down to the carcass and rebuild... redo the mechanical, electrical, plumbing—everything.”
Terminal One includes both Wings D and E, originally commissioned in 1979, deteriorated over decades due to structural exhaustion and overuse. The plan includes expansion of Terminal Two, addition of two ring roads, and a bridge to streamline passenger access—addressing key design flaws.
Funded via Subsidy Removal Savings — Not Loans
Keyamo reiterated there is no loan involved in this massive renovation. The ₦712.3 billion will be drawn from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which leverages revenues saved from the abolition of fuel subsidies.
Transparency and Oversight Assured
The minister pledged full public accountability throughout the process:
“We will be inviting the Press, Civil Society groups, members of the National Assembly and interested Nigerians on regular tours of the facility to monitor the extent and quality of work.”
The Bureau of Public Procurement has vetted and approved the project cost, which Keyamo says is comparable to global norms.
🏗️ Scope & Timeline of the Aviation Overhaul
The FEC approved a broader aviation upgrade package totaling ₦920 billion, covering six projects in addition to Lagos Terminal One. The bulk—₦712.26 billion—is dedicated to complete renovation of MMIA Terminal One, with a 22-month execution schedule.
Other approved projects include:
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Expansion of Terminal Two (aprons, access roads, bridges)
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14.6 km security fencing with intrusion detection, CCTV, floodlights (~₦50 billion)
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Runway and taxiway upgrades in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt (CAT‑2 lighting)
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Redevelopment of domestic apron parking zones for improved aircraft handling
