Nigerian Govt approves N758bn for Lagos, Kano airports, moves to concession Enugu

The Nigerian government has approved N758.68 billion for the rehabilitation of Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the upgrade of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.

The Federal Executive Council on Thursday okayed N712.26 billion and N46.39 billion, respectively, for the rehabilitation projects.

For the MMI airport, the approval serves as the flagship project of a broader N900 billion plan to transform aviation infrastructure across Nigeria.

Also, the Federal Government announced that Port Harcourt International Airport is scheduled for runway and taxiway improvements, including updates to the airfield lighting that will bring it up to CAT 2 standards, and rehabilitation has been approved at a cost of N42.14 billion.

Commenting on the approved funds, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said, “Most of the smaller airports apart from the major ones are running at a loss. The profits we make from Kano, Lagos, and Abuja often go into keeping these others alive.

“That has always been the plan of this administration—to cede some airports to private individuals and entities so they can run them profitably.”

Further details showed that in Lagos, the airfield lighting on Runways 18 Left and 36 Right, along with Taxiways B and C, is set to be enhanced to CAT 2 LED systems, which have been contracted at N44.13 billion and are projected to be completed in 30 weeks.

Similarly, to enhance the operations at Lagos’ domestic terminal, the council has sanctioned the overhaul and transformation of more than 82,000 square metres of apron areas. This project, estimated to cost N24.27 billion, is set to be executed in stages over a period of about 17 and a half months, with the goal of increasing aircraft parking capacity and improving traffic management.

In an effort to enhance security at Lagos airport, the council has approved a N49.9 billion project for the construction of a perimeter fence.

Meanwhile, the FEC has approved the complete business case for a 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

Keyamo said, “Most of the smaller airports apart from the major ones are running at a loss. The profits we make from Kano, Lagos, and Abuja often go into keeping these others alive.

“That has always been the plan of this administration—to cede some airports to private individuals and entities so they can run them profitably.”

Nigerian Govt approves N758bn for Lagos, Kano airports, moves to concession Enugu