Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Friday, received the report of the Task Force on the relocation of foreign airlines from the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to the new terminal in his office.
While thanking the members of the Task Force for accepting to serve the nation selflessly, Keyamo said the Lagos airport accounts for 60% of entry point and exit into Nigeria.
This was made known by the Head, Press and Public Affairs in the Aviation Ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, in a statement.
According to the statement, Keyamo stated that of all the five international airports in Nigeria, the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport is in a state of disrepair and that he is committed to ensure the overhaul of the terminal before the end of his administration.
The Minister recalled the fire incident of September 6, 2023, which necessitated the hasty relocation of all airlines from the old terminal that generated public outcry.
He described the development as unfortunate, assuring that adequate measures will be put in place to avert future occurrence of such incident.
While assuring the Task Force of the implementation of the recommendation as soon as possible, the Minister directed that a meeting be held with the contractors handling the airport on issues of substandard equipment and the possibility of opening up other entry points into the airport including the expansion of their work schedule which is part of the Public Private Partnership agreement.
On the issue of a complete comprehensive plan for the airports, Keyamo said having a master plan will eradicate wastage and encourage concessionaires in making the airports a hub indeed.
He noted that the master plan will take into consideration the existing structures while renovation on the old terminal will not be disrupted.
Speaking earlier, team leader of the Task Force, Hassan Musa, while relating the expanded terms of reference of the Task Force, said part of the findings shows that the fire incident which necessitated the sudden movement of all airlines to Terminal 2 compounded the challenges that has been existing since operations in April 2022.
He also said among other things that some equipment installed at Terminal 2 do not meet the international standard equipment for international airports, noting also that there are no adequate entrance and exits to Terminal 2 to meet international standard requirements which the consequence could be disastrous.
The Minister had in September set up the Task Force to resolve the challenges facing the relocation of commercial airlines to the new terminal within the shortest possible period.
Members of the task force are retired PS and ex-Director of the Department of Air Transport Management, Hassan Musa (Team Leader); General Manager Aerodrome, NCAA, Adebayo Oladipo; and Special Advisers to the minister, Mrs. Uyoyou Edhekpo, Mrs. Uyoyou Edhekpo, and Mr. Henry Agbebire.
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