By Faridat Salifu
A new elevated passenger bridge will be constructed at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) to provide direct access to the departure lounge, as part of the Federal Government’s N712.26 billion redevelopment of Terminal One.
The bridge is one of several structural upgrades unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Sunday, aimed at easing traffic congestion and modernizing airport operations.
According to Keyamo, the bridge will connect directly to the upper floor of the redesigned departure area, allowing vehicles to drop off passengers without disrupting arrivals or internal terminal traffic.
The bridge project is integrated into a wider reconstruction plan that will see Terminal One — built in 1979 and now housing Wings D and E — completely stripped down to its structural frame and rebuilt to international standards.
The announcement follows the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) recent approval of N987 billion for nationwide airport infrastructure projects, with Lagos receiving the highest allocation due to its heavy traffic.
In addition to the new bridge, the MMIA upgrade will include expansion of Terminal Two, enlargement of the aircraft apron to accommodate more wide-body jets, and construction of two dedicated ring roads for arriving and departing vehicles.
Keyamo noted that years of neglect and skyrocketing passenger traffic have left Terminal One outdated and overcrowded, necessitating a full reconfiguration to meet present and future aviation needs.
He explained that the redesign will integrate smart technologies to transform MMIA into a modern smart airport, improving efficiency, access, and service delivery.
The minister also confirmed that the entire project will be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which draws from savings made after the removal of fuel subsidies.
No external loans will be used, and public oversight will be ensured through regular site visits by media, civil society organisations, and the National Assembly over the 22-month construction period.
While airports in Kano, Port Harcourt and Abuja have recently added terminals that remain underutilised, Lagos’ MMIA continues to face severe congestion, making the planned bridge and terminal rebuild a top priority for the government.
Keyamo said the upcoming changes will not only decongest the terminal area but also improve passenger experience, operational flow, and Nigeria’s standing as a regional aviation hub.