The newly remodelled E-Wing departure of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) Lagos has been commissioned to improve passenger facilitation.
The remodeling was the product of partnership between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) PLC.
Four environmentally friendly CNG-powered air-conditioned buses were also introduced to improve passenger mobility within the airport premises.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, while commissioning the facility, commended FAAN for its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service to Nigerian travellers.
The minister applauded the collaboration between FAAN and the United Bank for Africa (UBA),saying the project would enhance pass comfort and experience at the airport terminal.
Keyamo said, “This is part of a general plan by FAAN endorsed by the ministry, to continue to remodel all of them in partnership with private entities within our limited resources to make them more user-friendly.
“What we are doing here today is the commissioning of the remodelled E-Wing departure hall of Murtala Muhammed International Airport. You can see what they have done here, our concessionaires have done tremendously well, in partnership with UBA, we want to thank them so much, this is the outcome of the partnership, the new floor, a well-lit departure hall, the adverts everywhere. We are going to other wings of the airport, we are going to work on Wing-D.”, he said.
Keyamo also lauded FAAN’s decision to procure energy-efficient buses, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of promoting sustainable practices and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Group Managing Director, UBA Oliver Alawuba, said the bank has been partnering with FAAN for the past 22 years to improve airport infrastructure through public private partnerships (PPPs).
He said, “Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are more than contractual arrangements; they are vehicles for transformation. They provide an avenue to leverage private sector expertise, innovation, and resources to complement government efforts in addressing critical national challenges.
“The renovation we unveil today underscores what is possible when we unite for a shared vision of progress.
Investing in infrastructure like this is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about creating an environment that catalyses economic growth, facilitates seamless travel experiences, and showcases Nigeria’s potential as a global player. By modernising our airports, we position our nation as a hub for tourism, trade, and international investment, unlocking opportunities that ripple across every sector of our economy.”
He disclosed that the bank would also remodel the D-wing departure in the second phase of its intervention to boost airport infrastructure for overall passenger experience.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, assured stakeholders of the organisation’s commitment to focus on improving facilities and services at airports.
She said no effort would be spared to enhance passenger experience, adding that there are plans to invest in cooling systems, upgrade equipment and modernise infrastructure by 2025.
“This is phase one—perhaps phase one A—of our development strategy. We are prioritising improvements to enhance passenger experience, including facilities for individuals with disabilities and families. These upgrades are integral to making our airport more inclusive and efficient,” she added.
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