A major push to reposition Lagos as West Africa’s aviation hub is underway, as the Federal Government says it has committed about $500 million to the reconstruction and modernisation of the demolished international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Monday during the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0, where he outlined ongoing infrastructure plans for the aviation sector.
According to him, the investment is part of broader efforts under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to transform Nigeria’s busiest airport into a modern, world-class facility capable of handling increased passenger and cargo traffic.
He explained that the project is aimed at upgrading the nearly 50-year-old airport infrastructure to meet international standards and support Lagos’ growing role in regional aviation.
Keyamo also revealed that discussions are ongoing between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to extend the existing Lagos rail network directly into the airport terminals.
He said the planned rail extension would connect the line currently terminating at Ikeja Bus Stop to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), pass through the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2) operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, and eventually reach the international terminal.
“We are also planning to extend the rail line that ends at Ikeja Bus Stop… all the way to the local, through MMA2 and to the international airport,” Keyamo said.
He added that the project would significantly improve access to the airport and strengthen Lagos’ position as a leading aviation and logistics hub in Africa.
Keyamo noted that Lagos currently accounts for about 67 percent of total passenger traffic across Nigerian airports, describing it as the country’s most strategic aviation gateway.
He also argued that Lagos has a natural geographic advantage that positions it competitively against established African hubs such as Addis Ababa and Lomé.
“Just six hours across the Atlantic, you get to South America… six hours to Europe… that is the equidistant advantage Lagos provides,” he said.
The minister further stated that Nigeria now has seven international airports following recent upgrades and expansions, including Victor Attah International Airport and Maiduguri International Airport.
He added that the resolution of legal disputes involving BASL and the Federal Government signals improved investor confidence in the aviation sector.
Keyamo also urged local and foreign investors to explore emerging opportunities in aviation infrastructure, including proposed airport developments along the Lekki–Epe corridor.
