Airport Fire Outbreak: Keyamo Laments Massive Destruction, Pledges Swift Reconstruction, Improved Safety

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the fire that engulfed Terminal One of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos as a significant setback but said it would accelerate the planned demolition and reconstruction of the ageing facility.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, affecting parts of the old terminal, which had been earmarked for full rehabilitation under the ongoing efforts to modernise the airport. Keyamo clarified that the new terminal was unaffected and dismissed suggestions of sabotage.

He expressed concern over the loss of key assets, including meteorological equipment belonging to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, but assured that temporary measures are being implemented to continue weather forecasting operations.

“The building was slated for demolition and complete redevelopment. While the fire caused damage to some equipment, it will hasten our efforts to relocate airlines and other operators to temporary facilities, ensuring reconstruction can proceed without delay,” Keyamo said.

Advertisement

The minister led an on-site assessment of the damage, noting that certain floors, including the fifth, sixth, and seventh, remain unsafe to access.

He highlighted that many of the affected offices, such as those of air traffic controllers and NiMet, sustained significant losses, and some staff had to be rescued by crane. Despite the destruction, he thanked God that no lives were lost.

Contractors are already on site, with preparatory work for debris clearance and reconstruction underway. Keyamo reassured the public that flight operations would not be disrupted, as a temporary air traffic control tower has been deployed to maintain normal airport functions.

Addressing speculation on the cause of the fire, Keyamo said, “At my level, I cannot speculate. Some preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been linked to an inverter, but the focus must now be on recovery and rebuilding.”

Advertisement

He emphasised that Terminal One, a 50-year-old building, had long suffered from neglect and overuse, unable to cope with the volume of passengers passing through. The airport handles 67 per cent of all international arrivals into Nigeria, highlighting its critical role in national and regional connectivity.

“The President’s decision to redevelop this gateway was informed by the urgent need to reflect Nigeria’s status and economic health.

“While this fire is unfortunate, it will accelerate the removal of obsolete structures and obsolete equipment, allowing the government to deliver a modern, world-class terminal”, Keyamo said.

Keyamo also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to safety and operational excellence, noting that the redevelopment will include modern infrastructure, upgraded systems, and improved safety standards to prevent future incidents.

He urged the public to view the fire not as a setback but as an opportunity to expedite the transformation of Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub into a symbol of efficiency, safety, and international competitiveness.