FAAN MD Assures Passengers of Seamless Experience as MMIA Rehabilitation Nears Critical Phase
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has assured passengers, airlines and other airport users of continued comfort, safety and accessibility at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, despite the ongoing large-scale Rehabilitation and Expansion Project at the facility.
Mrs Kuku gave the assurance during a comprehensive inspection tour of newly constructed temporary passenger facilities designed to ensure uninterrupted airport operations ahead of the planned closure of the ageing Terminal One.
She was accompanied by key project engineers and consultants overseeing the extensive modernisation programme.
Addressing stakeholders during the inspection, the FAAN MD underscored the urgency and necessity of the rehabilitation, noting that Terminal One has remained in operation for more than 48 years without any major overhaul.
According to her, the upgrade has become unavoidable in order to align Nigeria’s busiest international airport with the realities and demands of modern global air travel.
“Murtala Mohammed Terminal One has been operational for over 48 years, with no major improvement or comprehensive rehabilitation in that time,” Mrs Kuku said. “This upgrade is not only necessary but urgent if we are to meet international standards and passenger expectations.”
She stressed that passenger comfort and service continuity remain at the heart of FAAN’s planning throughout the rehabilitation period.
“The comfort and seamless experience of every passenger remains our utmost priority throughout this essential upgrade,” she stated. “We are committed to delivering a world-class gateway that Nigeria will be proud of, and we have put robust temporary arrangements in place to ensure minimal disruption.”
Mrs Kuku also highlighted the strong backing of the Federal Government for the project, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises the strategic importance of Lagos as Nigeria’s premier aviation gateway.
She described the rehabilitation as a national project aimed at addressing capacity challenges and supporting the country’s growing passenger traffic.
“This rehabilitation is being done for all Nigerians, to cater to the significant traffic through Lagos and to build the aviation infrastructure our country deserves,” she added.
Providing further insight into the scope of work, the FAAN MD explained that the project is being implemented in carefully planned phases to avoid a complete shutdown of airport operations.
She said the first phase involves the comprehensive remodelling and rehabilitation of Terminal One, including all mechanical, electrical, plumbing and civil engineering works.
The second phase will see the extension of Terminal Two, featuring an expanded finger and apron to increase aircraft handling capacity.
During the inspection, Mrs Kuku expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the temporary facilities, particularly the new departure terminal.
She disclosed that the 8,000-square-metre temporary departure terminal is more than 90 per cent complete and will become operational in the coming weeks.
“This temporary departure terminal will initially serve about five to six airlines for outbound flights only,” she explained. “It is designed to handle up to 1,500 passengers at peak periods and is fully equipped with check-in counters, security screening areas and boarding services through three gates.”
She added that supporting infrastructure has also been provided to ensure smooth passenger movement, including a dedicated car park as well as a temporary arrival and pick-up area.
Special attention, she noted, has been given to accessibility, with the facility designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility, the elderly and children.
The MMIA Rehabilitation and Expansion Project is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of a broader effort to transform Nigeria’s busiest international airport into a modern, efficient and passenger-friendly facility.
Originally built in 1979, the terminal infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with rising passenger volumes and evolving aviation standards.
FAAN officials say the phased execution of the project is critical to maintaining airport operations while major construction work is ongoing.
Upon completion, the rehabilitation is expected to significantly enhance safety, security and operational efficiency, while delivering a markedly improved travel experience for millions of passengers who pass through the airport annually.
Beyond aviation, the project is also expected to boost Nigeria’s economic prospects by strengthening air connectivity, improving the country’s international image and enhancing its competitiveness as a regional aviation hub.
Described by industry observers as a long-awaited facelift, the MMIA Rehabilitation and Expansion Project represents a major milestone in the modernisation of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and a decisive step towards repositioning the nation’s primary gateway in line with global best practices.
