Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have outlined an ambitious roadmap for the transformation of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) into a safe, efficient and economically viable global hub, following the first-quarter Business Breakfast Meeting of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) held in Lagos.
The meeting, which took place at Golfview Hotels & Suites on Thursday, 26 March 2026, brought together key industry players under the theme, “Building MMIA Into A Safe & Economically Viable Hub.” The keynote address was delivered by the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, who emphasised the urgent need for strategic reforms to reposition Nigeria’s premier gateway airport.
At the end of deliberations, participants reached a consensus on critical measures required to elevate MMIA to international hub status, aligning with global standards and best practices.
Foremost among the resolutions was the urgent provision of modern transit facilities to support seamless passenger connections, a fundamental requirement for any airport aspiring to hub status. Stakeholders noted that without efficient transit infrastructure, the airport would struggle to attract transfer passengers and compete with leading hubs across Africa and beyond.
The meeting also underscored the need for Nigeria to develop two to three strong indigenous airlines capable of serving as national flag carriers. According to participants, such carriers would play a pivotal role in boosting both passenger and cargo traffic, thereby strengthening the country’s aviation ecosystem and global connectivity.
In a bid to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience, the communique highlighted the importance of adopting advanced technologies across airport processes. This includes the development of modern cargo terminals equipped with cold-chain systems to support the transportation of perishable goods, particularly for export markets.
Stakeholders further advocated positioning Nigeria as a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub, noting that such a move would unlock significant economic value within the aviation supply chain while reducing dependence on foreign facilities for aircraft servicing.
On infrastructure development, the forum called for high-level engagements towards the establishment of a monorail system within MMIA to improve terminal connectivity. This, they argued, would significantly ease passenger movement and reduce transit times within the airport environment.
Safety and operational upgrades also featured prominently in the resolutions. Participants recommended the upgrade of airfield lighting on Runways 18L/36R and key taxiways to Category II LED standards to enhance visibility and operational reliability, particularly under low-visibility conditions.
In addition, the deployment of the advanced Airport Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS), alongside robust access control systems, was identified as critical to improving ground movement efficiency and overall airport security.
To address growing traffic demands, stakeholders called for the expansion of apron areas and aircraft parking stands. This would involve the relocation of two hangars currently obstructing wide-body aircraft operations, thereby creating more space for larger aircraft and improving turnaround efficiency.
The installation of multiple aviobridges was also recommended to enable simultaneous aircraft handling, reduce delays, and improve passenger boarding and disembarkation processes.
Furthermore, the communique stressed the need for a comprehensive upgrade of cargo terminal facilities, alongside the integration of air cargo logistics systems to streamline operations and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
Finally, participants emphasised the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement in the ongoing modernisation of MMIA. They noted that collaboration among government agencies, industry operators, and private sector players—from project design through to execution—would be crucial to achieving sustainable and impactful outcomes.
The communique was signed by Albinus Chiedu, who reaffirmed ASRTI’s commitment to advocating policies and initiatives that promote safety, efficiency, and growth within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
About The Author
