Nigeria has reopened part of an old airport terminal in Lagos, the country’s commercial capital, to cope with the disruption and congestion caused by the relocation of international airlines to a new facility.
The D Wing of the old international terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA) was officially reopened on Monday after being renovated in March.
The move aims to alleviate the plight of travelers and airlines, who have faced long delays, cancellations, and confusion at the airport following the sudden transfer of foreign carriers from the old terminal to an adjoining new terminal that opened in March.
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, said in a statement that the reopening of the old terminal was a necessary step to address the challenges faced by the aviation sector and ensure that passengers had a seamless travel experience.
“This is to inform the traveling public that the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has graciously allowed the use of the D Wing of the Old Murtala Muhammed International Terminal to compliment the New International Terminal in order to ease the facilitation of passengers through the airport,” the statement said.
Keyamo had ordered airlines to relocate to the new terminal by October 1, 2023, but the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) forcefully moved the international carriers to the facility on Wednesday, citing fire and power supply issues at the old terminal.
The sudden relocation sparked chaos and confusion at the airport as passengers and airlines struggled to adjust to the new arrangements. Some travelers complained of missing their flights, losing their luggage, and facing poor service at the new terminal.
The new terminal, which was built with a $600m loan from China, has a capacity of 15 million passengers per year and is equipped with modern facilities such as automated check-in counters, baggage handling systems, and security scanners.
However, some airlines have expressed dissatisfaction with the new terminal, saying it lacks adequate space, parking slots, and connectivity with other terminals. They have also raised concerns about the high cost of operating at the new terminal, which they say will affect their profitability and competitiveness.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Musa Nuhu, said on Monday that the government was aware of the challenges faced by airlines and passengers at the new terminal and was working to resolve them as soon as possible.
“We are not oblivious to the challenges. We are working with all stakeholders to ensure that these challenges are addressed. We are also engaging with FAAN to ensure that they provide adequate facilities and services at both terminals,” Nuhu said.
Nuhu also urged airlines and passengers to cooperate with FAAN and other authorities to ensure a smooth transition and operation at the airport.
“We appeal for patience and understanding from all parties. We know it is not easy, but we are doing our best to make it work. We are confident that things will improve and normalize in a few weeks,” he said.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, with a fast-growing aviation sector that annually serves millions of domestic and international travelers. The country has four international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt and several domestic airports across its 36 states.
The country’s aviation industry has faced several challenges, including aging infrastructure, poor management, security threats, regulatory uncertainty, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has been working on various reforms and projects to improve the sector and attract investment.
One such project is the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which was passed by both chambers of parliament in July and awaits presidential assent. The bill aims to overhaul the legal and fiscal framework of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which accounts for about 90% of its foreign exchange earnings.
Some stakeholders have hailed the bill as a landmark reform to boost Nigeria’s oil production, revenue, and development. However, it has also faced criticism from some quarters, especially oil-producing communities and civil society groups, who have raised concerns about its environmental protection, community development, fiscal terms, and governance provisions.
As Nigeria reopens part of its old airport terminal in Lagos to ease flight chaos, it faces opportunities and challenges in its aviation sector. The country must balance its short-term needs with its long-term goals while contributing to global efforts to ensure air travel safety and sustainability.
Source: Punch
