Newly Built Lagos International Terminal Below Int’l Standard – Committee

The Task Force on the relocation of foreign airlines from the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), to the new terminal has said that some equipment installed at the new terminal do not meet international standard.

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development,  stated yesterday that the task team, headed by, Engineer Hassan Musa, after submitting report to the minister, Festus Keyamo, said there are no adequate entrances, and exits to Terminal 2 do not meet international standard requirements, and the consequence could be disastrous, according to a press statement signed by  Odutayo Oluseyi, the head, Press and Public Affairs of the ministry.

Engr. Musa who is a retired permanent secretary and ex-director of the Dept. of Air Transport Management, said part of the findings showed that the fire incident which necessitated the sudden movement of all airlines to Terminal 2 compounded the challenges that has been existing since operations in April 2022

Responding, the minister said the Lagos airport account for 60 per cent of entry point and exit into Nigeria.

He stated that of all the five international airports in Nigeria, the old Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International airport is in a state of disrepair and he is committed to ensure the overhaul of the terminal before the end of his administration.

He recalled the fire incident of the 6th of September, 2023 which necessitated the hasty relocation of all airlines from the old terminal which generated public outcry as unfortunate assuring that adequate measures will be put in place to avert future occurrence of such incident.

While assuring the Task force of the implementation of the recommendation as soon as possible, he directed that a meeting be held with the contractors handling the airport on issues of substandard equipment and the possibility of opening up other entry points into the airport including the expansion of their work schedule which is part of the PPP agreement.

On the issue of a complete comprehensive plan for the airports, he said, having a Master plan will eradicate wastage and encourage concessioners making the airports a hub indeed. He noted that the Master plan will take into consideration the existing structures while renovation on the old terminal will not be disrupted.