….begins major overhaul, address legal issues
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled plans for a comprehensive renovation of Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, assuring stakeholders that the facility will not be demolished but rather undergo a phased, top-to-bottom upgrade.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Lagos, FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku said, while the terminal remains operational, extensive work is necessary to address its aging infrastructure and persistent operational challenges.
She disclosed that the renovation will commence with the departure area, while efforts will be made to keep the arrival section functional during the project.
Kuku clarified, “This is not about pulling down the terminal; it is a major renovation”.
“We are starting with the departure wing while still utilizing the arrival area. There are operational limitations we are working around, including issues with avio-bridges and capacity for wide-body aircraft.”
Kuku acknowledged that managing such a large-scale renovation while maintaining ongoing operations will not be without its challenges, but assured stakeholders that expert hands have been engaged to handle both the engineering and consultancy aspects of the project.
She underscored the importance of avoiding past mistakes, particularly referencing the complications experienced with Terminal Two.
The FAAN boss noted that apart from Terminal One, plans are also underway to upgrade Terminal Two through apron and finger extension.
However, the FAAN boss noted that legacy issues with the airport’s master plan have complicated expansion efforts.
“We have already identified new locations to relocate hangars to create the needed space for expansion,” she explained, adding that discussions are ongoing to finalize compensations and logistics for affected stakeholders.
Responding to recent speculations circulating on aviation platforms and social media, Kuku dispelled rumours that concessionaires had been ordered to vacate the terminal.
“What we have done is to advise concessionaires to temporarily slow down on new applications and ongoing renovations, so that we can plan and coordinate activities properly. We are being transparent to avoid a situation where tenants invest in upgrades only to be affected by our renovation phases,” she said.
Kuku admitted that maintaining Terminal One has become unsustainable, describing the constant need for nightly repairs to address leaking pipes, faulty conveyor belts, and other patchwork solutions.
“This terminal is long overdue for a complete overhaul. Patchwork is no longer tenable, for you, for us, and for the image of Nigeria,” she stressed.
While initial plans anticipated commencement of renovations in February with a section of the departure area ready by December, Kuku revealed that full execution awaits final approvals from supervising authorities, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Presidency.
“We want to get it right. Once this phase is complete, we will move forward with broader conversations on corporatization and concession initiatives. But first, we must stabilize the environment”.
