A Nigerian opposition party has sharply criticized the government’s plan to allocate ₦712 billion (approximately $500 million) for renovating Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, labeling the proposal wasteful and untimely amid the nation’s economic challenges. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that the aviation sector requires improved maintenance, operational efficiency, and investments in regional airports rather than costly upgrades to facilities already deemed functional.
Abdullahi described the renovation plan as “outrageous,” pointing to the airport’s recent improvements. A modern terminal commissioned in March 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari spans 56,000 square meters, includes 66 check-in counters, jet bridges, climate control systems, and an on-site hotel. Despite a capacity for 14 million passengers annually, the terminal reportedly served just 6.5 million travelers in 2024. “Is this the same airport now slated for renovation, or a different one?” Abdullahi asked, casting doubt on the project’s justification.
He highlighted that the proposed budget mirrors the $500 million spent in 2014 to construct four international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt—a Chinese-funded initiative still under repayment. The ADC also raised transparency concerns, demanding clarity on whether the renovation project underwent legislative approval or appeared in the current national budget. “Under what constitutional provision is this expenditure authorized?” the party questioned, calling for an immediate halt to the plan and an independent audit.
Advocating for redirected funding, Abdullahi emphasized that ₦712 billion could instead support critical public needs: constructing seven teaching hospitals, providing free education across three geopolitical zones, expanding rural electrification, or rehabilitating roads. The critique arrives as Nigeria grapples with rising inflation, currency devaluation, and mounting debt, fueling debates over fiscal priorities.
The Lagos airport, a major hub in West Africa, has faced past criticism over maintenance and service delays. While authorities argue infrastructure upgrades are essential for long-term growth, the ADC’s objections underscore broader tensions over resource allocation in a nation where public services struggle to meet population demands. The government has yet to publicly respond to the party’s demands.
