The Presidency has defended the ₦712.3 billion Lagos Airport renovation. It called the cost modest compared to global standards. The project was approved at the recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. It involves a complete overhaul of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, shared this view on his X account. He compared the project to the $19 billion renovation at John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York.
“Anyone who has traveled through JFK Airport in the last three years will notice the extensive renovation work,” Ajayi said. “JFK is being upgraded at a cost of $19 billion. By comparison, Nigeria’s ₦712.3 billion plan, or around $500 million, is modest for the scale of work planned.”
The Lagos Airport renovation is part of the government’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda. The goal is to modernize Nigeria’s busiest airport. The project includes rebuilding the terminal, upgrading safety systems, and improving the passenger experience.
Some Nigerians have raised concerns about the cost. Many worry about the timing, given the country’s economic challenges. Despite this, officials insist the investment is necessary. They believe it will improve services, attract tourists, and support long-term economic growth.
The government says the project will follow global best practices. It also promises transparency in execution. In time, the Lagos Airport renovation is expected to raise the standard of air travel in Nigeria.
