The minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has inaugurated the newly expanded passenger and cargo terminals at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The expansion of the first phase of the terminal named Zulu terminal at the local wing of the Lagos airport and the cargo terminal also inaugurated cost N2.2 billion,
At the inauguration, Sirika said, the terminal would accommodate more passengers as the old terminal and its facilities were inadequate and overstretched.
He said the former terminal had an initial capacity for 256 passengers but with the expansion, the terminal now has capacity for 1,024.
“The project was conceived to address the decades-long limited capacity challenge of the terminal. You will agree with me that the geometric increase in population of Nigeria, which resulted in increase in passenger volume has overwhelmed available facilities at this terminal”.
He listed the new facilities in the expanded terminal to include, 24 toilets, two VIP’s areas, three lifts, five airline offices, 768 number of passenger sitting capacity with a space for reduced mobility passengers.
“This indeed is significant. I am sure you will agree with me that this has been transformed and part of the efforts to leave civil aviation better than we meant it. Since the Buhari’s administration we have been trying to improve upon all of the facilities that we have around.
“The project started early last year, and I am glad that the first phase was completed in record time, and is being commissioned today”.
“The facility we are commissioning today is a product of that thought, and it is only the first phase of the project. As soon as we put this to use, we hope that the incoming administration will continue with the construction of the second phase.”
The minister, however, stated that the projects will increase the revenue base of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as well enhance passenger facilitation.
“As you will be seeing in due course, this facility contains brand new protocol lounges, airline office spaces, VIP lounges, with the complements of conveniences that will enhance safety, security and comfort of our esteemed passengers.”
“The project started early last year, and I am glad that the first phase was completed in record time, and is being commissioned today. I am very confident that the provision of this facility will enhance passenger facilitation at this terminal, and will also improve the revenue generation of FAAN.”
Earlier, the former managing director, FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu said, the newly completed and inaugurated terminal fitted with all the facilities passengers need will give relief to the users and stakeholders.
