The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in collaboration with the United Bank for Africa has refurbished the E-wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
FAAN also received four long CNG-powered buses to improve passengers’ mobility within the airport premises.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, on Friday, said the development was to enhance the overall passenger experience at the airport.
Kuku also assured aviation stakeholders of the organisation’s continued focus on improving facilities and services at the aerodrome.
While announcing the agency’s plans for additional investments in cooling systems, equipment upgrades and modernising infrastructure by 2025, she expressed dedication to ensuring that Nigerians take pride in their airport facilities.
The FAAN boss said, “Her words, ‘You can see that we expanded our facilities for the future; hence the use of terminal 2. In addition, we are using terminal D right now and we are moving passengers in here so that we can potentially decongest.
“We are looking at our arrival time and slotting. That way, we are making effective use of the capacity of the terminal as well as the timing of flights arriving and landing.”
Speaking earlier at the event, the minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the renovation is part of the larger initiative endorsed by FAAN to revamp the country’s airports in collaboration with private sector partners, despite limited resources.
Keyamo also commended the partnership between FAAN and the concessionaires which has worked alongside the United Bank for Africa on the project.
The minister said, “This remodelled E-Wing is an outcome of our collaboration with Hussling and UBA. The new design includes modern lighting, upgraded flooring, and more prominent advertising displays, all aimed at improving the passenger experience.
“This is just the beginning. Next, we will focus on other parts of the airport, including the D-Wing’s departure and arrival areas.”
“While it was a joke, the message is serious. It’s about maintaining a good image for the country and its institutions. We have seen improvements and we are committed to continuing that progress.”
He attributed these improvements to the hard work of FAAN’s management and cooperation from agencies such as Immigration and Customs.
“We are working closely with the National Security Adviser to ensure that the reforms we’ve initiated continue smoothly. We’ve updated the NSA on the measures we’ve taken and have requested his support in ensuring that all agencies cooperate in the best interest of passengers and the nation’s image,”
Also, the General Managing Director of UBA, Oliver Alawuba, emphasised that private-sector involvement in national development through public-private partnerships is essential for addressing critical challenges effectively.
“This is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating an environment that catalyzes growth and unlocks opportunities across every sector of the economy,” Alawuba added.
Alawuba further assured of UBA’s commitment to supporting future phases of airport modernisation. He described the E-Wing makeover as the first step in a larger journey.
“The private sector must step in, and UBA clearly provides that support needed at this time. This is just the first phase, as the minister noted,” he stressed.
