Nigeria’s airports below global standards, FG to upgrade MMIA — Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed on Sunday that Nigeria’s airports are below international standards, while hinting at the expansion of Old Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Keyamo admitted while quoting a commendation tweet by a Nigerian in diaspora, Dipo Awojide with the username @ogbenidipo, who hailed the improved passenger experience and recent improvements at the MMIA in Lagos.

The UK-based Nigerian tweeted that his recent experience at the airport is the easiest it has been for him in 15 years, while acknowledging the visible improvement.

“Kudos @fkeyamo, Lagos airport has changed for good.

“Aircraft to welcome area looks cleaner and the security area is well designed. My bag came out in 10 minutes.

“Exit to parking area is way better. I say this as someone who has been travelling for over 15 years.

“This is the easiest it has been for me in Lagos,” the tweet partly reads.

Reacting to the extolling post, the minister appreciated the X user for his impressive feedback but stressed that airports in the country are below global standards.

“Thank you, @OgbeniDipo for your compliments. But our airports are still far away from global standards, I must admit. We are just making the best of the situation as we found it,” he said.

Keyamo noted that the situation is being managed, but barely, and revealed that the old MMIA terminal, built in 1977 for 200,000 passengers annually, now handles three million passengers at the airport and 15 million nationwide each year, putting immense strain on the facilities.

He reassured Nigerians that major upgrades are forthcoming under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The minister specified that a total rebuilding of the Old MMIA in Lagos will be facilitated to meet modern standards and accommodate approximately 20 million passengers annually.

“Hence, over the years, the facilities almost collapsed! But thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @officialABAT, we are about to embark on a total rebuilding of the old MMI Airport in Lagos to meet modern standards, with a projection of about 20 million passengers per annum.

“We will unveil the full details before Nigerians in the next few weeks. Thanks.” Keyamo concluded.

PUNCH