Nigeria Targets Airline Efficiency with ₦987B Airport Upgrades—Ministry Details Projects
FEC approves ₦987B in airport facility upgrades; Ministry confirms scope—MMIA overhaul, runway lighting in Kano, Enugu concession plan.
nigeria-fec-987bn-airport-upgrades-ministry-details
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has greenlit ₦987 billion in contracts to upgrade airport infrastructure nationwide. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the details following the council meeting headed by President Tinubu.
This sweeping upgrade underscores the government's intent to modernize Nigeria’s airports, easing congestion, improving safety, and fostering connectivity.
- July 31, 2025 — The FEC approved ₦987 billion for upgrades under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund—including airport rehabilitation and modernization.
- Lagos (MMIA Terminal 1) — The terminal will be gutted to its structural frame and rebuilt, with full mechanical and electrical systems overhauled—costing part of the ₦712.26 billion allocation, with a 22-month completion timeline.
- Kano (Malam Aminu Kano International Airport) — Runways, taxiways, and Category II airfield lighting to improve operations in harmattan conditions, budgeted at ₦46.39 billion with a 24-week completion.
- Lagos Security Upgrade — A new 14.6 km perimeter fence with CCTV, solar lighting, intrusion detection, and patrol roads, estimated at nearly ₦50 billion over 24 months.
- Port Harcourt — Runway and taxiway rehabilitation with enhanced lighting (CAT II), costing ₦42.14 billion.
- Enugu (Akanu Ibiam International Airport) — Approved full business case for a 30-year concession deal.
“Today, it was the turn of aviation to receive the kind attention of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund… Terminal One at MMIA will be stripped down to the carcass, and then redone to meet international standards.” — Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, following the FEC meeting.
Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure has long lagged behind growth in air traffic, with outdated terminals and safety systems. The MMIA revamp stands out as a flagship project; similar attention is now being extended to Kano and Port Harcourt. The Enugu concession aims to inject private sector efficiency into airport management.
Aviation industry experts anticipate that upgrading just MMIA and Kano could cut flight delays by up to 30%, potentially boosting tourism and trade by an estimated $150 million annually. Public–private partnership models may ensure operational sustainability.
Tracking begins on execution: which contractors win tenders, project timetables, and transparency in fund deployment. Aviation unions and passengers alike will be watching for noticeable improvements within the next two years.
- Vanguard Nigeria — FEC cabinet approval and project breakdown by Minister Keyamo
0 Comments