Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of ₦712.26 billion for the rehabilitation of the Lagos airport terminal, declaring:
“They’ve finished Nigeria.”
Scope of the Project
The massive contract, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), will involve a complete overhaul of Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal One, including:
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system upgrades.
- Structural refurbishments.
- Modernization of facilities to meet international standards.
The project is expected to span 22 months and will be financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
Part of a Broader Aviation Upgrade
This initiative forms a key component of a ₦900 billion nationwide aviation infrastructure program, which also covers:
- Expansion of the domestic wing apron to 82,000 square meters at a cost of ₦24.3 billion.
- Runway rehabilitation works in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
- Installation of advanced lighting systems to improve operations during low visibility conditions.
Sowore’s Criticism
Speaking on the development, Sowore accused the government of deliberately neglecting the Lagos airport to justify the huge repair bill.
“Now I understand that the situation at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, showing its disgraceful dilapidated state, resembling a war zone, was not accidental.
It appears that it was intentionally neglected to facilitate a massive scheme for ‘repairs’ totalling ₦712 billion. They’ve finished Nigeria,” Sowore stated.
