FAAN’s temporary terminal plan delays N712bn airport refurbishment

cover, Financial Markets

The planned refurbishment of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, valued at N712bn, may be delayed by another three months due to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria’s decision to build a makeshift terminal.

It was gathered that FAAN announced to the Airline Operators of Nigeria that a temporary terminal would be built to accommodate airline front desk officers, airport workers, and passengers while the old terminal is being refurbished.

A source privy to the meeting between FAAN and AON, who pleaded anonymity, due to the lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, said, “What was agreed was that they are going to build a temporary structure somewhere around the new terminal, and airlines will not stop working from the old terminal until the temporary structure is ready and then they will now be moved to the makeshift structure.

“It is then that the tearing down or pulling down of the old terminal can begin.” The source added that the building of the temporary structure would take three months.

The spokesperson of FAAN, Orah Obiageli, confirmed to our correspondent that arrangements were being put in place to provide a temporary station for airport users. In a text message, she said, “We are putting arrangements in place to ensure we provide a temporary station for all airport users.

The N712bn approved for the renovation of the E and D wings of the Old Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal in Lagos had generated controversy, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the amount earmarked for the project.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had defended the project, saying it was driven by the urgent need to replace decaying infrastructure, expand capacity, and bring the nation’s busiest airport in line with modern global standards.

Numerical counts showed that the original completion date of 22 months, which would have elapsed in May 2027, may not be feasible due to the additional three-month delay. Another industry source said, “Even if the work had started in August, it still wouldn’t have been completed by May 2027.”