The Federal Government is planning a rail connectivity project that will link the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), and the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos to improve passenger movement and accessibility.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this during his keynote address at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit held in Lagos.
According to him, the project is part of efforts by the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to strengthen multimodal transportation and position Lagos as a major aviation hub in Africa.
Keyamo said the Ministry is working closely with the Lagos State Government to extend the rail network from Ikeja through GAT, MMA2 and onward to the international terminal.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at improving connectivity within the airport ecosystem and reducing travel delays for passengers.
“The Minister further announced plans to improve multimodal connectivity to the airport through the extension of the Lagos rail network,” the statement said.
The minister added that Lagos is strategically positioned to serve as a regional aviation hub, noting that about 67 per cent of international passengers entering Nigeria pass through the state.
He also stated that Lagos’ geographic location gives it strong connectivity advantages to Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South America.
Keyamo further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a $500 million investment for the modernisation and reconstruction of MMIA.
The project, expected to be completed within 22 months, will focus on upgrading ageing infrastructure and improving operational efficiency across airport terminals.
It includes terminal upgrades, improved passenger facilities, and enhanced investor participation in airport infrastructure.
The minister said recent dispute resolutions in the aviation sector demonstrate improved investor confidence and a more enabling environment for private sector involvement.
He also encouraged investors to explore opportunities in federal airport infrastructure, including a proposed airport along the Lekki corridor.
The rail integration proposal aligns with broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub and improve the overall passenger experience.
Keyamo referenced the long-standing dispute involving Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operators of MMA2, noting that it had been resolved through a negotiated settlement in April 2026.
Under the agreement, Bi-Courtney waived its N132 billion judgment debt claim and surrendered rights over the old domestic terminal (MM1).
The exclusivity clause restricting private airport development in Lagos was also removed.
In addition, the government returned an uncompleted hotel and conference centre to Bi-Courtney for completion under a shared revenue arrangement.
The agreement also provides for apron expansion at MMA2 and possible relocation of regional flight operations subject to capacity, alongside a revised revenue framework benefiting both parties.
According to the minister, final technical and commercial arrangements will be concluded at a formal signing ceremony involving key stakeholders, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Aviation experts say the combined rail integration and airport upgrade projects reflect global best practices in modern airport development and address long-standing infrastructure gaps at Nigeria’s busiest aviation gateway.
The initiatives are expected to significantly improve passenger flow, reduce congestion, and strengthen Lagos’ role as a regional aviation hub.
