The Federal Government has approved a total of ₦919.08 billion for critical aviation infrastructure upgrades across the country, with the Southwest region receiving the lion’s share of ₦712.25 billion nearly 80% of the entire budget.
In contrast, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, received no capital allocation but will instead be handed over to private operators on a 30-year concession, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The decisions were announced following Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
The bulk of the funding is earmarked for the comprehensive reconstruction of Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the country’s busiest airport. The minister stated that the terminal will be stripped down to its bare structure and completely rebuilt with upgraded mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
“We have decided to strip it down to only the carcass and then do the complete M and E again,” Keyamo said.
The project, awarded to China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC)—the same company behind the new Lagos terminal—will be completed within 22 months, he added.
Security Upgrades at MMIA
FEC also approved the construction of a 14.6-kilometre metal perimeter fence around MMIA, equipped with:
- Advanced intrusion detection systems
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
- Solar floodlights
- An operational patrol road
- A modern command centre for real-time threat detection
This security enhancement, valued at ₦49.89 billion, is expected to be completed in 24 months. The system can detect and locate any unauthorized movements near the fence without needing human patrols.
Major Upgrades in Kano and Port Harcourt
In the North, Malam Aminu Kano International Airport will undergo:
- Runway and taxiway rehabilitation
- Upgrade of airfield lighting to CAT 2 standard
The ₦46.39 billion project will be completed within 24 weeks, aimed at improving safety during the hazy harmattan season.
For the Port Harcourt International Airport, a ₦42.14 billion upgrade will cover:
- Runway and taxiway restructuring
- Airfield lighting improvements to CAT 2
Additionally, the minister confirmed the FEC approved:
- Amendments to runways 18L/36R
- Upgrades to taxiways B and C
- Installation of CAT 2 LED lighting systems, budgeted at ₦44.13 billion, to be delivered in 30 weeks
These efforts will run concurrently with the Terminal One reconstruction in Lagos, ensuring a comprehensive overhaul of facilities.
Domestic Terminal Expansion in Lagos
FEC also gave the nod to a ₦24.27 billion project for reconstructing and expanding the apron areas at Lagos domestic terminal, covering over 82,000 square meters. This project, expected to be delivered in 17.5 months, aims to:
- Increase aircraft parking space
- Enhance traffic and apron management
30-Year Concession of Enugu Airport
In a strategic shift toward privatization and sustainability, FEC approved the full business case for the 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, including its unfinished cargo terminal.
Keyamo said the move is part of the federal government’s plan to:
- Reduce the financial burden of maintaining underperforming airports
- Transform loss-making assets into profitable infrastructure
- Encourage non-aeronautical ventures like shopping malls and conference centers to generate revenue
“Profits from Lagos, Kano, and Abuja airports are used to subsidize smaller ones. Concessions will relieve this burden and boost commercial viability,” he explained.
He assured that labour unions were fully involved in the decision-making process.
“From the very start, I directed that they must be part of the committee… the unions have been fully carried along,” Keyamo noted.
