A prominent member of the 2023 APC Presidential Campaign Council, Ahmed Dankabo, has backed the Federal Government’s ₦712 billion contract for the modernisation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, dismissing widespread criticism as “politically charged and deeply unfortunate.”
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Dankabo lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “bold and visionary” move to transform Nigeria’s busiest airport into a world-class aviation hub comparable to top African counterparts.
“The Murtala Muhammed International Airport is the pride of Nigeria. It is long overdue for an upgrade to match the standards of premier African airports like Cape Town International, Mohammed V in Casablanca, and Addis Ababa Bole,” he said.
He specifically targeted the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the opposition party of launching “poisonous and ill-informed attacks” on a project he insists holds “immense promise” for Nigeria’s global standing.
“Instead of applauding the foresight behind this transformative project, the ADC chooses to throw poisonous darts at a development that boosts both our infrastructure and international reputation,” he stated.
Dankabo emphasized the strategic significance of the MMIA, which he said handles over 6 million passengers and about 246 international flights daily. He added that no serious nation takes such a key national asset lightly.
“This airport is more than infrastructure; it’s a national monument. A first-class facility here sends a message about Nigeria’s aspirations and capabilities,” he said.
Dankabo defended the contract, which was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)—the same company behind the recently completed Terminal 2—as a mark of consistency and quality, not political favouritism.
“It is quite exhilarating to see that the same firm that built the iconic Terminal Two has been entrusted with further phases. It speaks to performance, not politics,” he noted.
Dankabo further highlighted that MMIA contributes nearly 60% of the total revenue from all airports in the country, underlining its role as the financial backbone of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He called on critics to put aside “partisan sentiments” and support the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he says is already delivering “tangible results” in critical infrastructure and international rebranding.
