The Federal Government of Nigeria has invested approximately $500 million in cash to modernise the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in Lagos, Keyamo emphasised the government’s commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
“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,” he said.
Unlike loans or external borrowing, the funds were made available in cash by President Bola Tinubu, and contractors have already mobilised on-site.
The MMIA modernisation project, approved by the Federal Executive Council, is a ₦712 billion initiative aimed at overhauling the ageing airport into a world-class aviation hub within 22 months.
Keyamo highlighted future expansion plans, noting that after MMIA, work will resume on the second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, which had previously been delayed due to Niger volatility.
Lagos currently has two main terminals:
1. MMA1 (International Terminal): Government-run, handling international flights.
2. MMA2 (Domestic Terminal): Privately operated, serving domestic flights.
A new international terminal has recently been commissioned at MMIA to increase capacity, incorporating modern technologies such as self-check-in counters to improve efficiency for travellers.
Plans are underway for the Lekki International Airport along the Lekki-Epe axis, designed to complement MMIA and serve the growing industrial and residential needs of the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
The urgency of the MMIA overhaul was highlighted after a fire in late February 2026 at Terminal 1 of the old international wing, which originated from the IT server room.
Fourteen people, including 12 air traffic controllers, were rescued, six sustaining minor injuries. The blaze destroyed critical Nigerian Airspace Management Agency communication equipment, temporarily shutting down the airfield and diverting flights to Abuja.
Minister Keyamo subsequently ordered the demolition of the affected terminal, accelerating reconstruction and modernisation plans.
The overhaul is expected to not only enhance capacity and safety but also position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
