₦712bn Lagos Airport Renovation Must Tackle Nine Critical Failures, Not Just Surface Upgrades
Story: Written bY Uzuh Rita September 17,2025
The Federal Government’s planned ₦712 billion overhaul of Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos is being presented as a long-overdue modernization effort. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has emphasized that years of neglect, poor design, and capacity strain have left much of the airport infrastructure unsafe, outdated, and unable to meet global standards.
However, experts and stakeholders warn that unless the project addresses long-standing systemic flaws, it risks becoming another cosmetic facelift. Below are nine deep-rooted issues that the renovation must resolve for meaningful impact:
1. Decaying Terminal Infrastructure
Terminal One, in operation since 1979, is marked by roof leaks, broken baggage systems, and outdated facilities. Built for much smaller passenger volumes, the structure has been stretched beyond capacity, leading to congestion and frequent breakdowns.
2. Underuse of Terminal Two
Despite being designed for 14 million passengers annually, Terminal Two handled less than half that number in 2024. Any meaningful upgrade must improve integration and coordination between both terminals to optimize capacity.
3. Poor Passenger Flow and Design Errors
Passenger movement has long been a pain point, with flawed layouts that force awkward navigation for travelers. Planned fixes include separate access roads for arrivals and departures and direct bridges to departure halls—measures aimed at correcting earlier mistakes.
4. Strained Mechanical and Utility Systems
Electrical, plumbing, and air-conditioning systems at Terminal One are failing under pressure from traffic levels far beyond the original design. A complete overhaul, not patchwork repairs, is required.
5. Security and Safety Gaps
Aging surveillance systems, outdated screening equipment, and insufficient runway lighting have posed risks for years. The renovation must include modern security systems, perimeter fencing, and advanced runway lighting to align with international standards.
6. Cost Transparency and Procurement Concerns
The ₦712 billion price tag has raised questions, with calls for clear details on the bill of quantities, procurement process, and whether the expenditure reflects value for money. Without transparency, public trust in the project could erode.
7. National Priorities vs. Spending Pressure
With Nigeria facing inflation, unemployment, and weak public services, critics argue the massive investment must demonstrate tangible economic benefits, not just prestige. Government insists funding will come from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, sourced from fuel subsidy savings.
8. Weak Maintenance Culture
Nigeria’s poor record of sustaining new infrastructure is a major concern. Without a dedicated maintenance framework—covering staff training, regular inspections, and local spare-part sourcing—new investments risk rapid deterioration.
9. Limited Technology Integration
Global airports now rely on automation, AI-driven security, e-gates, and digital wayfinding systems. MMIA’s renovation must go beyond cosmetic upgrades to embed modern passenger-focused technology that reduces delays and enhances user experience.
Why It Matters
Failure to modernize effectively could increase operating costs for airlines, reduce direct international flights, and undermine Nigeria’s aviation competitiveness. Beyond safety and compliance, the airport is a gateway to tourism, trade, and investment—making efficiency and transparency in this project critical.
Conclusion:
For the Lagos airport upgrade to deliver real value, it must move beyond surface-level renovations and decisively address these nine systemic failures. Only then can Nigeria ensure safety, efficiency, and long-term economic returns from one of its most important transport hubs.
