The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a sharp rebuke against the federal government’s proposal to spend over ₦712 billion on renovating Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, demanding a halt to the plan. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, asserted that Nigeria’s aviation sector is in greater need of proper maintenance, enhanced efficiency, and regional airport expansion, not a costly renovation.
Abdullahi characterized the expenditure as an “outrageous” and “misplaced priority,” particularly in light of the country’s challenging economic realities. He directly challenged the rationale behind allocating such a significant sum to a facility that has already undergone substantial upgrades and is currently described as fully functional, raising serious questions about the financial judgment of the government.
According to him, the proposed sum — around $500 million — is the same amount used to construct four new airports in 2014.
“These included airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, all built with a Chinese loan still awaiting repayment,” he said.
He recalled that the same Lagos airport had a new terminal commissioned by late President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2022.
Abdullahi said: “Reports then said the terminal sits on 56,000 square metres and features 66 check-in counters.
“It has capacity to process 14 million passengers annually, yet only handled 6.5 million passengers in 2024.
“The terminal was said to include jet bridges, cooling systems, and a 22-room hotel, among other features.”
Abdullahi asked whether it is the same airport now up for renovation or an entirely different one.
He also questioned whether the ₦712 billion project received National Assembly approval or appeared in the current budget.
“We demand to know under what constitutional provision this money is being spent,” he said.
“The ADC called for the immediate suspension of the project and a full independent audit of the proposed budget,” he said
Abdullahi said funds should be redirected to initiatives that would directly impact ordinary Nigerians’ lives.
He noted that ₦712 billion could fund seven teaching hospitals, free education in three zones, rural electrification, or road rehabilitation.
