Nigeria to Invest Nearly ₦1 Trillion in Major Airport Upgrades Nationwide

In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector and bring it in line with global standards, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a massive investment of ₦987 billion aimed at upgrading airports across the country. This development marks one of the largest single investments in aviation infrastructure in Nigeria’s history, reflecting the government’s renewed commitment to improving air travel safety, comfort, and efficiency.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after a high-level meeting of the FEC held at the State House in Abuja and chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Keyamo, the funds will be sourced from the government’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, a financing pool dedicated to executing critical national projects under the current administration.

At the heart of this ambitious initiative is the complete overhaul of Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. Terminal One, one of Nigeria’s busiest and most prominent aviation hubs, has long faced criticism over outdated facilities and poor passenger experience.

“This terminal will not just be renovated—it will be entirely modernized,” said Keyamo. “We are going down to the structural bones of the building. Everything will be stripped and rebuilt from scratch, including all mechanical and electrical systems.”

The Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which previously handled the construction of Terminal Two at the Lagos airport, has been awarded the contract for this massive rehabilitation project. The scope of work doesn’t end at Terminal One. Terminal Two will also be expanded to accommodate additional infrastructure such as a new apron for aircraft parking, improved access roads, bridges, and other supporting systems.

The combined cost for all the upgrades in Lagos alone is ₦712.26 billion. The project is expected to span 22 months, with the aim of turning MMIA into a modern, world-class airport that can rival top terminals across the globe.

The modernization effort is not limited to Lagos. Significant improvements are also on the way for the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. This airport, which serves as a critical link for both domestic and international travel in Northern Nigeria, will benefit from a full-scale upgrade of its two runways and taxiways.

One of the most important changes will be the installation of advanced airfield lighting, bringing the facility up to Category 2 (CAT 2) standards. This level of lighting allows aircraft to land even in poor visibility conditions such as the harmattan haze, which has historically disrupted flight operations in the region.

“This upgrade will greatly enhance safety and reduce delays caused by weather conditions,” said Keyamo. “With the improved navigational aids we’re introducing, flights will now be able to land even when visibility is very low.”

The total cost for the Kano airport upgrade is ₦46.39 billion, and it’s expected to be completed in just 24 weeks—a relatively short timeline given the scope of the work.

In addition to the major structural and technical upgrades, the FEC also approved a new security infrastructure project at the Lagos airport. The project involves the construction of a high-tech 14.6-kilometer perimeter fence designed to boost surveillance and prevent unauthorized access.

The fence will be fitted with CCTV cameras, solar-powered floodlights, motion detectors, and a dedicated patrol road. This security-focused component of the plan is worth nearly ₦50 billion and is expected to be completed within two years.

According to Keyamo, securing Nigeria’s busiest airport is not just about national security—it’s also about meeting global aviation standards and boosting the confidence of international carriers and investors.

Further down south, the Port Harcourt International Airport is also on the list of beneficiaries. The FEC has approved another major project aimed at rehabilitating the airport’s runway and taxiways, as well as installing updated airfield lighting to bring the facility in line with CAT 2 requirements.

This upgrade is particularly significant for the oil-rich Niger Delta region, where reliable air travel is essential for both business and tourism. The project is valued at ₦42.14 billion and, like its counterparts in Lagos and Kano, is expected to significantly improve flight safety during inclement weather.

Keyamo also revealed that the FEC had given the green light to a full business case for the 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. This move signals a shift toward public-private partnerships in managing some of Nigeria’s key transport infrastructure.

While specific details of the concession are still under wraps, the goal is to attract investment that can support long-term growth, maintenance, and innovation at the airport. Concessions have been a controversial but increasingly popular strategy to improve service delivery while relieving the financial burden on the federal government.

With air travel becoming more essential in a rapidly globalizing world, the government’s decision to commit close to ₦1 trillion to airport infrastructure is both timely and necessary. As passenger traffic continues to grow, the quality and safety of Nigeria’s airports will play a critical role in the country’s economic development, trade relations, and global image.

“These upgrades are not just about concrete and wires,” Keyamo concluded. “They are about opening up Nigeria to the world in a way that is safe, efficient, and future-ready.”

For many Nigerians, both at home and abroad, the changes represent a long-awaited step forward—one that could finally place Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure on par with some of the best in the region.