The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued a directive requiring all international airlines to leave the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) by Sunday, October 1, 2023.

The minister directed the airlines and companies operating in the airport to move to the new terminal MMIA Terminal 2. He also suspended all contracts, projects, and concessions in the sector until further notice.

“All airlines should vacate the MMIA before October 1 and relocate to MMIA Terminal 2,” Keyamo said during an inspection visit to the international airport in Lagos.

The Minister also ordered the suspension of the Nigeria Air project inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He also put on hold all arrangements under his predecessor, Hadi Sirika, to enable proper audit of contracts in the aviation industry. He has also put a halt to the concession project, saying that he owes it to the federal government (FG) and Nigerians to give an honest assessment.

The recently-appointed minister of aviation further said the suspension will be in place until he briefs President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.