Nigeria’s $500 Million Airport Upgrade Hits A Wall—Completion Date Now An Doubt
Nigeria’s $500 Million Airport

When Nigerians heard that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos—by far the busiest gateway into the country—was finally getting a long-overdue facelift, there was a sense of relief. After years of navigating outdated facilities, overcrowded halls, and infrastructure that clearly lagged behind global standards, the prospect of a modern terminal symbolized hope for a smoother travel experience and a stronger image of Nigeria abroad……CONTINUE READING
But as with many mega-infrastructure projects in the country, timelines are already shifting.
The Project and Its Challenges
The Lagos airport upgrade was initially pegged for completion within 22 months, setting a May 2027 delivery date. However, a three-month delay in commencement has already raised doubts about whether this timeline is achievable. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has defended the project, stressing that the overhaul is not just about aesthetics but about replacing decaying infrastructure, expanding capacity, and aligning Nigeria with international aviation benchmarks.
Industry experts, however, are less optimistic. “Even if the work had started in August, it still wouldn’t have been completed by May 2027,” one insider noted. This raises an important question: will the Lagos airport modernization follow through as scheduled, or will it become yet another stalled project on Nigeria’s long list of unfinished infrastructure ambitions?
Why the Stakes Are High
Airports are more than just transit points—they are a nation’s front door. For many visitors, their first impression of Nigeria begins at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Unfortunately, for years, that impression has been marked by long queues, frequent breakdowns of facilities, and a general sense of wear.
With Nigeria positioning itself as West Africa’s economic hub, an outdated airport undermines investment, tourism, and international confidence. Neighboring Ghana, for instance, has made significant strides in improving its aviation infrastructure, and it has already started reaping the benefits with increased traffic through Accra’s Kotoka International Airport.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar
Upgrading the Lagos airport isn’t only about new terminals or shiny floors. It’s about capacity, efficiency, and safety. The current facilities are overstretched, handling more passengers than they were designed for. If the new project is completed on time, it could ease congestion, improve passenger experience, and raise Nigeria’s competitiveness in global aviation rankings.
But if delays persist, Nigeria risks falling further behind. Investors and airlines are constantly evaluating logistics and infrastructure before making long-term decisions. A prolonged construction timeline could frustrate stakeholders and erode confidence.
What Needs to Change
To avoid a drawn-out project, the government must enforce transparency, strict adherence to deadlines, and accountability from contractors. Clear communication about timelines, budget allocations, and progress reports will not only assure Nigerians but also encourage confidence in the aviation sector as a whole.
Final Thoughts
The modernization of Lagos’ airport is not just another government project—it’s a critical national priority. Timely delivery could unlock economic growth, reshape global perceptions of Nigeria, and improve the daily travel experiences of millions of passengers. But delays, if unchecked, could reduce it to yet another symbol of promises made but not kept.
As Nigeria embarks on this ambitious overhaul, the clock is ticking. For once, Nigerians are hoping this will be a project that lands right on schedule.