MMIA has operated for 48 years without major upgrade — FAAN MD

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has revealed that the terminal one of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos—Nigeria’s busiest international aviation hub—has operated for 48 years without any major upgrade or comprehensive rehabilitation, describing the current overhaul as long overdue and […]

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has revealed that the terminal one of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos—Nigeria’s busiest international aviation hub—has operated for 48 years without any major upgrade or comprehensive rehabilitation, describing the current overhaul as long overdue and unavoidable.

Kuku made the disclosure during a detailed inspection tour of newly completed temporary terminal facilities constructed to support the ongoing large-scale rehabilitation and expansion of the airport.

She was accompanied by senior FAAN management staff, project engineers and consultants overseeing the modernisation programme.

Daily Trust reports that the federal government had approved N710billion for the complete rehabilitation of the MMIA old terminal. The project would be handled by the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC).

According to the FAAN boss, Terminal One of the airport, which was commissioned in 1979, has continued to handle millions of passengers annually despite decades of wear, increasing traffic volumes and rapidly evolving global aviation standards.

 

 

 

“Murtala Mohammed Terminal One has been operational for over 48 years without any major improvement or comprehensive rehabilitation. This upgrade is not just desirable; it is urgent and critical if Nigeria is to meet the demands of modern air travel and international safety standards,” she said.

 

 

 

Kuku reassured passengers and other airport users that FAAN has taken deliberate steps to ensure comfort, safety and seamless operations throughout the rehabilitation period.

 

 

 

“The comfort and seamless experience of every passenger remain our utmost priority throughout this essential upgrade. While the work may come with temporary adjustments, we have put in place robust alternatives to minimise inconvenience and ensure accessibility for all airport users,” she stated.

 

 

 

She noted that the rehabilitation project has received strong backing from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which recognises the strategic importance of Lagos as Nigeria’s main aviation gateway and a critical link to global markets.

 

 

 

“This project has been prioritised by Mr President because Lagos remains the nation’s premier gateway. The rehabilitation is being undertaken for all Nigerians—to cater to the significant passenger traffic and to build the infrastructure befitting Africa’s largest economy,” Kuku added.

 

 

 

Explaining the scope of the project, the FAAN MD said the rehabilitation is being executed in carefully planned phases to prevent a complete shutdown of airport operations.

 

 

 

“We have made a commitment to Nigerians to deliver a new terminal, and we are methodically working towards that goal. The project consists of two major components: the complete remodelling and rehabilitation of Terminal One, including all mechanical, electrical, plumbing and civil works, as well as the extension of Terminal Two with a larger finger and apron to increase aircraft handling capacity,” she explained.

 

 

 

As part of the transition plan, FAAN has constructed an 8,000-square-metre temporary departure terminal to serve international passengers during the closure of Terminal One.

 

 

 

Kuku disclosed that the facility is more than 90 per cent completed and will become operational in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

“The temporary departure terminal will initially serve five to six international airlines for departures only. It has the capacity to process up to 1,500 passengers during peak periods and is fully equipped with check-in counters, security screening facilities and three boarding gates,” she said.

 

 

 

In addition to the temporary terminal building, the FAAN MD said complementary infrastructure has been provided to ensure smooth passenger movement and traffic flow within the airport environment.

 

 

 

These include a dedicated car park, temporary arrival and passenger pickup zones, as well as improved access routes. Special emphasis, she noted, has been placed on inclusivity and accessibility.

 

 

 

“The facility has been designed to cater adequately to passengers with reduced mobility, the elderly and children, ensuring that no category of traveller is disadvantaged during this transition period,” she added.