Lagos Airport's International Time Clocks Fail to Function, Pilot Highlights Systemic Issues
A Nigerian pilot, Arinze Odira, has publicly disclosed that the wall clocks located at the arrival terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, which are intended to display the current times for five key international destinations, are currently non-operational. This revelation was made on the social media platform X on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, where Odira expressed his concerns regarding what he described as a "poor culture of excellence" within the airport's management and operations.
Details of the Clock Malfunction
According to Arinze Odira, there are five wall clocks strategically placed in the arrival terminal that should be showing the local times for Lagos, Beijing, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), New York, and London. However, none of these clocks is functioning properly, creating an inconvenience for travelers and potentially reflecting poorly on Nigeria's aviation infrastructure. Odira pointed out that the issue appears to be minor, such as a battery problem, yet it remains unaddressed by airport officials.
In his post, he emphasized, "If you check, it is just a battery problem. None of the airport officials sees anything wrong with that. It is a cultural thing, a poor culture of excellence." This statement underscores a broader critique of maintenance practices and attention to detail at one of Nigeria's busiest international gateways.
Implications for Airport Operations and Passenger Experience
The malfunctioning clocks could impact passenger experience by hindering their ability to quickly adjust to different time zones, especially for international travelers connecting through Lagos. This incident raises questions about the overall upkeep and efficiency of facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, which serves as a critical hub for air travel in West Africa.
Odira's comments have sparked discussions online about the need for improved standards and a more proactive approach to maintenance in Nigerian public services. The situation highlights how seemingly small issues can accumulate to affect the perception of excellence and reliability in key sectors like aviation.
As of the report, there has been no official response from the airport authorities or relevant government agencies regarding the clock malfunctions or plans for repairs. This lack of action may further fuel concerns about accountability and service quality in Nigeria's transportation infrastructure.
