FAAN Addresses Power Outage at Lagos Airport Terminal, Issues Apology to Travellers
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has provided a detailed explanation for the temporary power outage that occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal 1 in Lagos on a recent Saturday. According to an official statement released on Sunday, the disruption was attributed to a fault in the terminal's changeover circuit, which manages the switching between different power sources. FAAN emphasised that the incident was promptly addressed to minimise impact on airport operations and passenger services.
Technical Response and Immediate Measures
Upon detecting the fault, FAAN's technical teams acted swiftly to resolve the issue. Engineers successfully bridged the gap by transferring the electricity supply to a secondary grid, while interim backup measures were activated to restore essential services as quickly as possible. This rapid response ensured that critical airport functions continued with minimal disruption, although passengers experienced temporary inconveniences during the outage.
FAAN extended a formal apology to all travellers and other stakeholders affected by the power failure, describing the event as regrettable. The authority acknowledged that the incident highlighted long-standing infrastructure challenges at Terminal 1, which is currently operating with ageing systems. In its statement, FAAN noted that installing permanent or additional backup power equipment is not feasible at this time, as the terminal is scheduled to shut down in approximately one month for major rehabilitation works under the ongoing Rehabilitation and Expansion Project.
Ministerial Engagement and Broader Context
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also addressed the issue through a social media post, confirming that he had engaged with FAAN on the matter. Keyamo stated that the situation had been resolved and that FAAN had provided an explanation to the public. This outage occurs amid preparations for the comprehensive modernisation of MMIA Terminal 1, which is part of a larger effort to upgrade Nigeria's aviation infrastructure.
In August 2025, the federal government approved a substantial budget of over N700 billion for the overhaul of Terminal 1 during a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. This project, expected to last about 22 months, involves a complete reconstruction and remodelling of the terminal, along with repairs to access roads and bridges, and upgrades to other airport facilities. Industry sources indicate that the plan includes expanding Terminal 2, enhancing security systems, improving airfield lighting, refurbishing apron areas, and installing new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Future Plans and Additional Initiatives
As part of broader infrastructure improvements, a separate N49.9 billion perimeter fencing project is also underway, which will introduce advanced security features such as intrusion detection systems, CCTV cameras, solar-powered floodlights, and a dedicated patrol road. These initiatives aim to bolster safety and reliability at the airport, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.
FAAN remains committed to enhancing airport services, as evidenced by its recent rollout of a cashless payment system at Nigerian airports, starting with pilot phases in Lagos and Abuja. This system, targeting full implementation by the first quarter of 2026, is expected to boost FAAN's revenue and improve efficiency at access gates, car parks, and lounges. The authority continues to appeal for public understanding as it works towards these upgrades, stressing that current measures are temporary pending the completion of long-term rehabilitation projects.
