The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially unveiled the remodelled E Wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. This significant development is the result of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
During the unveiling ceremony, Minister Keyamo commended Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, for the bank’s pivotal role in the project. He highlighted the importance of effective passenger facilitation and noted that efforts to curb subtle extortion at the airport are showing positive results. The Minister also mentioned ongoing collaboration with the National Security Adviser (NSA) to ensure seamless cooperation among all airport agencies.
Oliver Alawuba emphasized that PPPs are transformative vehicles that leverage private sector expertise to complement government efforts in addressing national challenges. “The renovation we unveil underscores what is possible when we unite for a shared vision of progress. Investing in infrastructure like this is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about creating an environment that catalyzes economic growth, facilitates seamless travel experiences, and showcases Nigeria’s potential as a global player,” he said.
Alawuba also praised the Minister’s efforts in improving compliance with the Cape Town Convention (CTC), which has increased Nigeria’s compliance score to 70.5%, making aircraft leasing and financing more accessible for Nigerian airlines. Additionally, the Minister launched a consumer protection portal at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Key achievements under Minister Keyamo’s leadership include the expansion of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) with several countries, allowing Nigerian airlines access to more international routes and fostering collaboration with foreign airlines. The relocation of foreign airlines from the old to the new terminal has enhanced service delivery.
The Minister has also advanced the construction of a second runway at Abuja airport to accommodate growing passenger traffic, relocated FAAN headquarters from Abuja to Lagos, saving over N500 million in travel expenses, and initiated plans to transition airports to solar energy to reduce operational costs.
Furthermore, a task force has been established to eliminate illegal charter operations, ensuring a more secure and compliant aviation environment. The partnership with Boeing aims to enhance Nigerian airlines’ capabilities by facilitating the leasing of new aircraft and providing maintenance and technical support.
