While the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Festus Keyamo, has vigorously defended the move, critics argue that the massive allocation could have been channeled into more pressing national needs — or better still, leveraged through private sector involvement to reduce public financial burden.
Government Responds to Criticism
Amid the criticism, Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Minister Keyamo, issued a strongly worded statement titled “MMIA Renovation Bruhaha — What Do Nigerians Really Want?”. In it, he dismissed dissenting voices as “cafeteria experts” who have never “built terminals or operated airlines.”
“Suddenly, everyone became an infrastructure economist, a seasoned aviation planner or worse, a self-styled corruption watchdog,” Moshood wrote, questioning the motives and expertise of critics.
He challenged Nigerians to consider whether they preferred a truly world-class international airport that meets global benchmarks, or another “patchwork job” that barely addresses decades of infrastructural decay.
Keyamo: “Let Nigerians Judge”
Speaking further on the issue during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Programme, Minister Keyamo described the MMIA upgrade not merely as an infrastructure project, but as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s global image and economic viability.
“Aviation is the face of the country… Any government that does not prioritise that, you want to destroy every single foreign investment that is coming into the country,” he said.
He pointed to the airport’s role in facilitating tourism and international business, especially during periods like Detty December, when Lagos becomes a global destination.
“Is it that old airport you want to bring people into for Detty December in Lagos? When they land, they see the heat. They go into smelly toilets,” he said, stressing that the renovation includes smart systems, modern facilities, and advanced aviation technology — not just concrete and tiles.
A Modest Price Tag Compared to Global Standards?
Keyamo also sought to frame the project within a global context, noting that Nigeria’s $470 million (~₦712 billion) price tag is modest compared to similar airport renovation projects around the world:
- Angola – $3.5 billion
- South Africa – $1.2 billion
- Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) – $7.8 billion
- Cambodia – $1.5 billion
Aviation Experts Disagree: “Concession Is the Way Forward”
Despite the spirited defense, several aviation professionals maintain that concessioning the terminal would have been a more prudent and sustainable approach.
Chris Aligbe, CEO of Belujane Konzult and former Nigeria Airways spokesperson, stressed that the government could have avoided direct spending entirely by allowing private investors to build and operate the terminal under a well-structured agreement.
“In concessioning, you are not using your money… The money intended for this project can be invested in other critical sectors,” he said. “With concession, you gain technical competence and reduce long-term financial risk.”
He also warned that after investing such a massive sum, the government might still end up handing over management to a concessionaire — effectively spending first, then outsourcing — a move he described as wasteful unless FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria) is simultaneously strengthened through staff training and capacity building.
“Passenger Terminals Are Not Government’s Business” — Ojikutu
Adding his voice, Group Captain John Ojikutu (Rtd), former Commandant of MMIA, criticized the project from a regulatory perspective. He referenced the Concession, Privatisation and Commercialisation Act of 2000, which enabled the creation of the Bi-Courtney domestic terminal — still regarded as one of the best in Nigeria.
“Anything that is non-aeronautical is not the business of government. It is a waste,” Ojikutu said. “The government’s obligation should be limited to safety and security at the airports.”
He questioned why government refuses to concession passenger terminals, yet consistently struggles with aviation funding, especially for safety and security upgrades, which are its core regulatory responsibilities.
The Bigger Question: Infrastructure vs. Priority
As the controversy continues, the central issue remains one of priority and process. Should the government directly spend ₦712 billion on airport renovation — or pursue public-private partnerships that reduce its financial footprint?
While the Keyamo-led ministry insists the upgrade is a strategic necessity, critics believe the decision highlights a misalignment of national priorities, especially in a time of rising debt, inflation, and competing development needs.
For now, the project moves forward, but public opinion — and the eyes of the aviation sector — remain firmly fixed on whether this investment will deliver long-term value, or become another expensive experiment in infrastructure delivery.