After 30 Years, Lagos International Airport to Get Face-lift, Construction of New Terminal Underway

After the blackout at the international wing of the Muritala Mohammed which lasted several hours on Sunday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has released a statement indicating that the occurrence was a one-off glitch that would not re-occur.

General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Mr. Akin Olukunle said in a statement released yesterday, “The Federal Government, the Ministry of Aviation and FAAN cannot afford to leave any of the airports without power supply, as they have continued to give priority to safety and security at all our airports in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and practices.

“The Federal Government is currently remodelling 11 of the 22 airports managed by FAAN. The massive work entails the expansion, construction of new terminals and overhaul of facilities at the airports. The remodelling of the airports is being championed by the Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Adaeze Oduah. The minister had in October 2011 assured the country that the Federal Government would remodel the airports in consonance with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.”

“At the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, work is ongoing for the construction of a new terminal, as the existing terminal building used for domestic flight operations and protocol lounges are undergoing renovation.

“The new terminal is expected to house new departure and arrival halls. The GAT is expected to have a total facelift, a development coming up for the first time after over 30 years of the terminal’s existence.”

He added, “The authority has taken delivery of three carousels to replace the dilapidated ones at the airport. The installation of the carousels will be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2012.

“FAAN has also completed the MMA water improvement project. Also, the power improvement project at the airport is nearing completion, as four out of the six generators required for the international terminal are already on ground.”