Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued a directive for all airlines to vacate the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos by October 1, 2023. This directive comes as part of the government’s plan for extensive maintenance work at the airport.
Keyamo, during a tour of the airport alongside Kabir Mohammed, Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), emphasized the need for the relocation to accommodate the maintenance efforts.
In his statement, Keyamo directed airlines and companies operating at MMIA to move to the new terminal, MMIA Terminal 2, before the specified date. He stated, “All airlines should vacate the MMIA before October 1 and relocate to MMIA Terminal 2.”
This move is in line with efforts to enhance the infrastructure and facilities of MMIA, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers and the efficiency of airport operations.
In addition to the relocation directive, Minister Keyamo also announced the suspension of airport concessions and the Nigeria Air project. These two major aviation projects were initiated under the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The concessioning of airports, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, as well as the establishment of Nigeria Air, will be put on hold until further notice.
The decision to suspend these projects comes after concerns and criticisms from stakeholders and the House of Representatives, raising questions about their feasibility and transparency.
The government’s priority now is to focus on essential maintenance and upgrades at MMIA and address concerns about existing projects before proceeding with any new initiatives in the aviation sector.
