Tinubu Approves N712bn To Rebuild Lagos International Airport

President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦712.3 billion for a full reconstruction of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The decision was made during a recent Federal Executive Council meeting and is part of the government’s Renewed Hope infrastructure development plan.

The move comes as the Lagos airport, one of the busiest in Africa, continues to face growing pressure from outdated structures and rising passenger demand. The government says the existing terminal has outlived its usefulness, prompting the decision to start afresh rather than patch it. With this upgrade, Nigeria hopes to bring its top airport in line with modern global standards and improve passenger experience.

This major overhaul is being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and is expected to be completed within 22 months. It includes tearing down and rebuilding Terminal One from its bare frame. New mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will be installed, along with better facilities to handle higher traffic. Terminal Two will also be expanded to accommodate more flights and passengers. The plan involves new aprons, bridges, and road networks to improve movement within and around the airport.

The government plans to fund the project directly through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. This move avoids reliance on loans or public-private partnerships, giving the federal government full control over execution and standards. Other upgrades across the country’s aviation sector were also approved, including works at Kano, Port Harcourt, and Benin airports. Over ₦900 billion was earmarked in total for these projects.

New security features will also be introduced at the Lagos airport. A 14.6-kilometre perimeter fence will be installed, complete with surveillance cameras, motion sensors, solar-powered lighting, and patrol access. A central control room will monitor these systems in real time. The goal is to improve safety and reduce breaches around airport grounds.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, explained that the rebuild was long overdue and that patching old facilities no longer makes sense. He said the focus now is on durable solutions that support long-term growth. He added that many parts of the current terminal were already failing and posed safety risks.

The airport upgrade is seen as a step towards better air travel in Nigeria and could boost confidence in the country’s transport infrastructure. It is expected to create jobs, ease congestion, and attract more international carriers. The new design promises to transform Lagos into a modern aviation hub that can handle future traffic with more efficiency and comfort.