The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has embarked on a major reconstruction project for Terminal 1 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The project, approved in 2025, is being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. The contract is part of a larger N919 billion aviation upgrade initiative.
The reconstruction project is being funded through Nigeria's Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. The scope of work involves the rehabilitation of Terminal 1, expansion of Terminal 2, as well as the construction of new roads, aprons, and bridges. The project aims to modernize the airport's facilities and improve the overall passenger experience.
Construction on the project began in March 2026 and is expected to span 22 months, with Terminal 1 fully closed during this period. To mitigate the impact of the closure, a temporary 8,000 m² departure hall has been built to handle operations, with a capacity to support up to 1,500 peak-hour passengers. The temporary facility will ensure that airport operations continue with minimal disruptions.
The reconstruction work involves stripping Terminal 1 to its concrete core for structural reinforcement, followed by rebuilding with modern systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, security, and baggage handling upgrades. The project also includes internal layout reconfiguration to separate arrival and departure flows, facade upgrades with glass curtain walls, and optimized passenger movement.
In addition to the Terminal 1 reconstruction, the project also involves the expansion of Terminal 2 by 15,000 m² to accommodate wide-body aircraft, with elevated hangars. The new facilities will feature a skywalk linking the multi-level car park to Terminal 2, a connection building to unify Terminals 1 and 2, and new ring roads with a bridge for seamless access.
Other enhancements include a dedicated transit area, automated e-passport gates, smart HVAC and lighting systems, upgraded lounges, retail zones with cultural elements, redesigned landscapes, and advanced CCTV and security coverage. The project is expected to increase the airport's passenger capacity to 17.6 million annually, making it a major hub in West Africa.
Upon completion, the reconstructed Terminal 1 and expanded Terminal 2 will significantly enhance the overall passenger experience at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The project is a major milestone in Nigeria's aviation development, and its successful completion will have a positive impact on the country's economy and tourism industry.
Key points
- The N712 billion reconstruction project is part of a larger N919 billion aviation upgrade initiative.
- The project aims to increase the airport's passenger capacity to 17.6 million annually.
- The reconstruction work is expected to be completed in 22 months, barring delays.
